What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
In the Delhi municipal corporation elections this year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has tried a new formula to retain the civic body by heavily relying on a new combination of women and Pasmanda Muslim candidates.
BJP has allocated more than 50 per cent of tickets to women, even on the seats that are not reserved for female candidates.
Out of total of 250 seats, BJP has fielded as many as 135 women candidates and new faces – and has tried to woo Muslims by giving party tickets to 4 candidates from the community. Out of these 4 candidates, three are women who belong to Pasmanda, a backward section of the Muslim community.
BJP’s decision to give tickets to Pasmandas is part of the saffron party’s strategy to woo the backward sections of the Muslim community.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the BJP will ensure the representation of Pasmanda Muslims in politics and take steps for their progress.
A BJP leader said that tickets to Pasmandas in the MCD elections are in line with PM Modi’s promise.
A team of The New Indian met such a Pasmanda Muslim candidate fielded by BJP from Quresh Nagar in the Chandani Chowk area of Delhi. Sameena Raza, 47, says her family has been associated with the Jan Sangh (which later became BJP) since the 1960s.
“My focus is on basic civic issues – damaged roads to parking issues and faulty management in this area. I want to fix all such issues. My aim is to focus on development,” she said.
A 12th grade pass out, Sameena is recognised in the area as a social worker who has worked for women empowerment.
Her husband, an active member of BJP’s minority wing, pointed out that PM Modi’s government has launched several schemes for the betterment of the Muslim community.
Quresh Nagar segment has more than 29 per cent of Muslims – around 28,000 out of 50,000 total voters. Out of the total Muslim population in the ward, around 15,000 are Pasmandas.
Not only BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have also given tickets to Pasmanda candidates.
“Kejriwal is fooling people by making false promises. People of Delhi are aware of this fact and will give an answer in this election,” Sameena’s husband said.
Sameena said that she would continue working for the welfare of Muslims, particularly women.
“I want Muslim women to come out, get educated and not just stay indoors so that they know what is right and what is wrong. BJP makes no discrimination,” she said.
