In Meerut, a vibrant scene unfolded as thousands from the Muslim community, including participants of a spirited motorcycle rally, gathered for an election meeting graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by BJP’s minority wing officials.
Javed Malik, president of Minority Morcha of UP BJP’s western unit, shared, “Over 10,000 Muslims joined the election rally, predominantly from Meerut district. The allure of Modi ji is undeniable. Those who have benefited from various central schemes flocked to hear him speak. People keen on witnessing the impact of Modi ji and Yogi (Adityanath) ji, as well as those curious about Modi ji, thronged here,” Malik informed PTI.
Adding to this, Sameer Khan, overseeing Minority Morcha of UP BJP for Meerut Lok Sabha seat, highlighted a spirited motorcycle procession from Gandhibagh to the rally grounds, featuring the active engagement of 100 bikers. Khan expressed, “The energy among the motorcycle rally participants was palpable,” emphasizing a prevailing sense of enhanced security within Meerut.
Attendees of the PM’s rally echoed excitement, citing a decade-long absence of interest from parties like the Samajwadi Party, BSP, and Congress in citizens’ welfare. Anjum Nizami, who operates a battery repair unit, articulated this sentiment.
Yunus Saifi, a resident of Meerut South assembly segment, boldly predicted a BJP majority in the state’s Lok Sabha seats. Echoing similar sentiments, Dilshad Ahmad, a veterinary doctor from Bijnor, shared that he was among approximately 300 individuals eager to hear Prime Minister Modi. Ahmad noted a notable shift in perception towards the BJP among beneficiaries of government schemes, including Ayushman Yojana and Awas Yojana, within the Muslim community, emphasizing the rally’s potential to send a resounding message.
Malik from the BJP highlighted the substantial Muslim turnout at the election rally as indicative of a significant community shift towards the party, particularly in Meerut Lok Sabha constituency, known for its sizable Muslim electorate. He pointed out the changed political landscape compared to the 2019 elections, emphasizing the Muslim demographic influence across various constituencies in western UP.
The upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh, a state with 80 Lok Sabha seats, set to commence on April 19 across seven phases, are poised to be a significant political event. Notably, the first phase will see polling in eight parliamentary constituencies, including Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit. In the previous general elections of 2019, the BJP secured 62 seats alongside two seats for its ally Apna Dal (S), overcoming the challenge posed by the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, with the BSP emerging as the alliance’s biggest beneficiary, securing 10 seats.
