They are worshippers of satta: Priyanka Gandhi hits out at BJP in Saharanpur roadshow

In the constituency, Masood is facing BJP’s Raghav Lakhanpal Sharma, who defeated him in 2014, and BSP’s Majid Ali. The BSP did not repeat Haji Fazlur Rehman, who won the election in 2019, defeating Lakhanpal by over 22,000 votes.

Hazi Mohammad Hanif (75), a wood carver, said it would be a tough election. “Ladai trikoneey hai, abhi kuch kaha nahi ja sakta hai (The fight is three-cornered, nothing can be said right now).”

“I saw Narendra Modi 20 years ago when I was in Gujarat. I feel that his schemes are good. I am personally benefiting from the pension scheme, which is a big relief at this age. Almost all families are getting ration… But the one thing that pains me a lot is that the gap between Hindus and Muslims has increased,” he said.

55-year-old Mohd Iqbal, a resident of Indira Chowk in Saharanpur, said the Congress is slowly regaining the space it lost in the last elections.

“Imran Masood is a good candidate, he does not discriminate on the basis of caste or religion. However, you never know who will win the election,” said the daily wage worker, adding that the “government has done developmental work but Muslims are being targeted”.

Pradip Sharma, who runs a grocery store in the city, said votes of Opposition parties were being consolidated, and the BSP MP did not do any work. “People are angry because of that. Lakhanpal has been MP and MLA in the past and people have seen his work. But the Muslim voter wants to give Masood a chance,” he said.

Surabhi Agrawal, who came for the roadshow with her daughter dressed as late Indira Gandhi, said she was yet to hear any promising scheme for women from any political party.

“I like Priyanka Gandhi, she resembles Indira Gandhi. I came here just because of this… We should stand by our women leaders. I am disappointed so far by election announcements, there is nothing for women. Sending a few thousands to a woman’s account does not work,” she said.

Krishnakant Sharma, Congress Lok Sabha in-charge in Saharanpur, said since the BJP had launched a high-voltage campaign in the area, it was important for the Congress to hold a roadshow.

“Congress is contesting in only one seat in the first phase in UP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh and CM Yogi Adityanath have visited thrice already because they are afraid of losing seats. Priyanka Gandhi’s presence has ensured a Congress win,” said Sharma.