By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
Muzaffarpur: This is perhaps first time that only one Muslim candidate from any major alliance/party is in the fray for Muzaffarpur town assembly seat. As the community constitutes about 20% of the voters the chance for a Muslim MLA from here, has got stronger this time. The seat has never been represented by a Muslim candidate.
Talk to common Muslims in the city and they will not hide their choice: Mohd Jamal, the joint candidate of RJD-LJP alliance. Jamal is emerging as consensus candidate for Muslims.
The seat has been represented for last four consecutive terms by local businessman Vijender Chaudhary – two times as Janata Dala and Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate and two times as Independent. As the incumbency factor was going heavy against him he recently joined LJP and got a ticket from neighboring Kudhni assembly seat. The party has fielded another local and known figure Mohd Jamal in his place from Muzaffarpur town.
In the last 8 elections since 1977, Congress has won the seat three times, Independent two times, JD and RJD one time each and JNP one time. BJP candidate has ended as runner-up four times.
While BJP has fielded its candidate Suresh Sharma who has been runner up twice, Congress, NCP and BSP have also fielded their candidates. Congress candidate Vinita Vijay, daughter-in-law of late veteran Congressman Raghunath Pandey, was runner-up in the last assembly poll held in October 2005. The party has fielded Mayank Kumar this time. As the upper castes are angry with JDU-BJP government it is likely they will vote for Congress. But Muslims, on the other hand, seem to be angry with Congress over various issues – the latest one is Babri verdict, so they are tilting towards LJP candidate Jamal. There are 19 candidates for the seat.
As for issues and problems, local Muslims have general issues – road, electricity and water.
“In the last five years the sitting MLA has done nothing for the development of the city. In his earlier terms he did well. Today we are facing the problem of shortage of electricity, water and good roads,” says Mohd Aslam, mechanical engineer.
“All talk high about poverty alleviation at election time but the problem remains unsolved. None is thinking about taking the country to new heights. All are trying to fail it,” says another resident.
Young voters have their own issues. “I am unable to get my certificate from my college. I am just making rounds of the offices. I want a smooth administration,” says Mohd Khurram, a BBA student.
Computer teacher Anzar Alam @ Munna is not happy with the performance of public representatives. “When elections come some road work starts but for whole the year the city roads are in very poor condition.”
Homeopathic practitioner Guddu is sad that Constitution of India has been kept away as life of common people is just deteriorating. He does not like petty issues are raised at election times.
But all are unanimous about their choice of candidate in this election.
“We want a candidate who could solve our problems of electricity and water – they are common issues not specific to caste or religion. The local Bela Industrial area can provide thousands of jobs but it is deserted thanks to negligence of government and administration. We want a candidate who could bring money from state and central government and spend on the development of Muzaffarpur town. Mohd Jamal is a good person having good relations with people of all classes and castes. He is in touch with people and is available for help anytime,” says Aslam.
“Jamal is a popular in the city. He is in touch with all people. He will get our support, says Anzar. Young voters Khurram and Guddu also echo him.