Islamists enter the fray

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, an Islamist organization, has announced that it is trying to form a third front opposed to both the Communists and Trinamool and Congress. They appear to especially concerned about the Madrasas near the Bangladesh border.

The Jamiat, meanwhile, demonstrated and organised a public meeting today.

The organisation alleged that the security agencies are harassing madrasa students in the districts, in the name of security.

“It has become a regular feature. Students at madrasas, especially in the districts across the Bangladesh border, are questioned routinely. We demand that the government looks into the matter,” Chowdhury said.

Given that close to a quarter of the population in Bengal is Muslim, there is scope for the growth of Islamic parties and over time we might see a section of the Muslim vote bank shifting its loyalty to parties with an Islamic agenda.

Tags: BENGAL-ELECTIONS

• BENGAL-ELECTIONS