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Muslims in western UP give 'fatwas' a wide berth

Deviating from past practice, the Muslim community in western Uttar Pradesh has in this election resisted attempts by various parties to glean their votes by getting clerics to issue 'fatwas' in their favour.

With the major parties fielding Muslim candidates, a split in the community's vote was certain.

Generally, under such circumstances, clerics issue a 'fatwa' (religious edict) in favour of a particular candidate to ensure that the Muslim vote is not divided.

With Muslims voting as a bloc, such 'fatwas' can often decide the fate of an election.

"This time, voters are reluctant to heed populist propaganda and are devoting some time to decide whom to vote for," Liaqat Ali, Bahujan Samaj Party candidate from Saharanpur, said.

Ali said that he had received reports of a similar trend in the neighbouring constituencies of Rampur, Muzaffarnagar and Meerut.

Consequently, Ali and his Samajwadi Party opponent Shabir Ali Khan were engaged in a bitter, no-holds-barred war of words to win the favour of the electorate.

Khan agreed that there was a bitter tussle among Muslim candidates to attract the votes of their community members.

Ali pointed out that the Congress had requisitioned the services of a veteran and revered leader from their community, Assad Madani and his son Masood Madani, to get their point across.

"But my feedback is that the Muslims will not be swayed by this kind of canvassing," Ali said.

Till 1630 hours on Thursday, there were no reports of any violence during voting in the seven assembly constituencies in Saharanpur district.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed," said Saharanpur District Magistrate Aradhana Shukla.

The poll coincided with Valentine's Day but the youth did not lag behind their counterparts elsewhere in the country in conveying messages to their loved ones.

Three full pages of a local Hindi daily were crammed with Valentine's Day messages, including many from Muslim youth.

"We are not worried about Shiv Sena musclemen terrorising youngsters. We will do damn well what we please," said Abrar Ahmad, a college student. "Celebrating the event was popular with the non-public school types too," he added referring to the popularity of the event.

Ahmad had put in a message for his sweetheart in a newspaper.

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