There is a sense of disillusionment among some Muslim voters who feel overlooked by political parties
By PTI
Campaigning in Aligarh is subdued with major parties focusing on their core support bases. In the Muslim community, views on this Lok Sabha election seem to vary, with some seeing it as crucial for India’s pluralism while others feel neglected by political parties.
Muslims are a sizeable community in the Aligarh parliamentary constituency. According to the 2011 Census, Islam is the second-most popular religion in Aligarh city, a lock-making hub in western Uttar Pradesh, with over 40% of people following it.
“For me, this election is about safeguarding the Constitution, which grants me and everyone else in this country the right to equality,” Shadab Khan, a 45-year-old driver at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), said.
Many others in Aligarh’s Muslim community echoed his sentiment.
Syed Aamir, a worker at a local eatery in the city’s Shamshad market, described this election as a matter of survival for pluralism in India.
“If we don’t vote now, we may lose this chance forever,” Mr. Aamir said.
There is also a sense of disillusionment among some Muslim voters as well, such as Mohammad Shiraz from Aligarh’s Civil Lines area who feels overlooked by political parties.
This story was originally published in thehindu.com. Read the full story here.