Jamiat’s poll posturing makes Trinamool happy

The intention of acquiring political strength in West Bengal, however, is not a new idea with the Jamiat. Siddiqullah Chowdhury, the organisation’s state secretary, known for his proximity to the Congress party, had made several attempts in the past at contesting elections. The Jamiat never figured directly, but its indirect presence was well felt.

In recent times, the Nandigram fiasco (following the March 14 police firing on locals that claimed 14 lives) and political campaigns helped the Jamiat stand on its feet. The PDCI is now aggressively marketing itself in most districts and has said it will contest all forthcoming elections in the state. While the decision to contest elections may offer little mileage to the young PDCI, its presence may have severe repercussions on the Muslim votes in minority dominated districts of the state and will benefit the Trinamool-led NDA here. And how that isgoing to take place is already visible.

The Haldia Municipality—comprising 26 wards—will go to elections on July 22. The Jamiat leadership has claimed that a one-to-one fight is inevitable and already the ‘electoral adjustment’ of the anti-CPI(M) parties has been announced. Interestingly, Jamiat—that has so far projected itself as a major factor in the region—has been offered only two seats for contesting elections, by other non-Left Front partners. The NDA representative, Trinamool, shall contest 18 of the 26 seats.

Given the Trinamool Congress’ presence in the NDA, the Jamiat’s co-existence with the Trinamool in the long run is unlikely. In this scenario, the Jamiat has two options—either to remain in the NDA clutches, an unpleasant and uncomfortable situation for its leadership, or to fight out on its own. With the Left Front enjoying strong support of the Muslim vote banks in the state, the Jamiat’s entry as a third force in the minority-dominated districts will definitely dent the Left’s Muslim votes, in process giving the NDA a better chance to grab many more seats, so far marginally pocketed by the Left Front legislators.

“Our target is that the CPI(M) should go. How far can we come together will depend on how much a coalition will protect the interests of the Scheduled Castes and Muslims,” said a senior PDCI leader.

The Trinamool, apparently, is also in no mood for a long-term relationship with the clerics, as it may make its other partners in the NDA unhappy: “They (Jamiat) have over-estimated themselves. In case they contest, the Trinamool has nothing to lose. It’s the Left and the Congress who will suffer,” said senior Trinamool leader Sougata Roy.