Communal rhetoric escalates as western Uttar Pradesh gears up for polls

PM Modi (L) and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav

The electoral terrain in western Uttar Pradesh, marked by a sizable Muslim populace, is witnessing an alarming surge in communal rhetoric as the initial phase of voting approaches. With contentious issues taking center stage in the campaigning, the region's deep-seated communal fault lines are starkly exposed.

Terms like "exodus," "curfew," "fatwa," and "riots" now dominate the political narrative, creating a charged atmosphere in the lead-up to the polls across the eight Lok Sabha constituencies of western U.P.

"Uttar Pradesh is a hotbed of communal polarization benefiting all political parties. The BJP capitalizes on issues like fatwas and curfews, while the SP and Congress mobilize Muslims by invoking fear of Hindu majoritarianism," commented political analyst Rajesh N Bajpai, shedding light on the intricate dynamics at play.

Bajpai underlined the enduring influence of communal politics in western Uttar Pradesh, citing historical precedents such as the exodus claim made by BJP leader Hukum Singh in 2016-17 and the response of the then ruling SP during the Muzaffarnagar riots.

"The embers of that riot still singe, and discussions around exodus and Muzaffarnagar riots persist in political discourse," he said.

The BJP has strategically honed in on issues like the alleged Hindu exodus, communal disturbances leading to prolonged curfews, disruptions to religious pilgrimages such as the kanwar yatras, issuance of fatwas, and perceived obstacles to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

In a noteworthy departure, Congress candidate Imran Masood, previously embroiled in controversy for remarks against then-PM candidate Narendra Modi in 2014, has been observed publicly visiting temples and engaging in Hindu rituals, signaling a strategic shift.

During a rally in Deoband, a significant Islamic center in Saharanpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleged that chaos and religious extremism were propagated through fatwas from Deoband, rebuking previous administrations for fostering religious fanaticism in the seminary.

Adityanath also accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party of capitulating to mafia elements, underscoring his government's resolute action against them, with individuals like Atiq Ahmad, his brother Ashraf, and Mukhtar Ansari facing consequences.

Earlier, during a rally in Meerut, Adityanath juxtaposed the choice between peaceful religious processions like kanwar yatras and communal unrest marked by curfews, aiming to resonate with the sentiments of the crowd.

Speaking at a rally in Muzaffarnagar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah referenced the Hindu exodus from Kairana and other areas before the BJP assumed power in 2017, asserting that the current administration has restored safety and order.

Likewise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated blame on the Congress and other opposition parties for obstructing the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, positioning the BJP as the guardian of Hindu aspirations.

Political analyst Manoj Bhadra underscored the importance of development and law enforcement in favor of the BJP in western UP, highlighting concerns about polarization within the Congress-SP alliance due to the growing consolidation of Hindu voters. Bhadra observed a shift in rhetoric among leaders like Imran Masood towards advocating Hindu-Muslim harmony, potentially influenced by evolving electoral dynamics.