In Bihar, leaders go all out to tap Muslim support

The scramble for Muslim votes was intense but the ‘‘who is more Muslim-friendly’’ debate may have increased the vulnerability of the community, rather than decreasing it, say some observers. ‘‘His opposition realised that unless they break this Muslim support base, it was impossible to defeat Laloo. This time, the attempt was that,’’ says Ali Anwar convenor of Parsmanda Muslim Mahaj, an organisation of Dalit Muslims.

With Laloo Prasad Yadav harping on the Godhra report, Ram Vilas Paswan promising 10 per cent reservation, and hundreds of maulanas campaigning for parties, it all looked blatant. ‘‘Such campaign reinforces the Muslim stereotypes and increases religious divisions,’’ says Anwar.

‘‘However, the Muslims reacted to such campaign by refusing to vote in blocs this time,’’ says W.A. Farooqui of Musharul Haque Foundation.

This Bihar campaign and its outcome will have implications for the UPA Government at the Centre as well. After the Congress decision to contest against RJD in several seats, the divide between the parties has been increasing. Though Laloo has not said anything against Congress, his wife Rabri Devi, has not been as charitable and senior leader Shivanand Tiwari spat venom on Sonia Gandhi last week.

The administration has taken extreme measures to ensure free and fair polls — several politicians have been restrained in areas where they are suspected to create trouble. MPs Sadhu Yadav, Mohammad Shahabuddin, Prabhunath Singh and Union Minister Akilesh Singh are among the leaders who were barred entry in their respective areas.