The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind’s anti-CPI(M) campaign in the state is a boon in disguise for the NDA and its major partner in the state—the Trinamool Congress.

The ‘socio-religious’ organisation, led primarily by the Muslim clergy, recently announced its intention to contest state panchayat elections next year, through its one-year-old political outfit—the People’s Democratic Conference of India (PDCI).

The intention of acquiring political strength in West Bengal, however, is not a new idea with the Jamiat. Siddiqullah Chowdhury, the organisation’s state secretary, known for his proximity to the Congress party, had made several attempts in the past at contesting elections. The Jamiat never figured directly, but its indirect presence was well felt.

In recent times, the Nandigram fiasco (following the March 14 police firing on locals that claimed 14 lives) and political campaigns helped the Jamiat stand on its feet. The PDCI is now aggressively marketing itself in most districts and has said it will contest all forthcoming elections in the state. While the decision to contest elections may offer little mileage to the young PDCI, its presence may have severe repercussions on the Muslim votes in minority dominated districts of the state and will benefit the Trinamool-led NDA here. And how that isgoing to take place is already visible.

The Haldia Municipality—comprising 26 wards—will go to elections on July 22. The Jamiat leadership has claimed that a one-to-one fight is inevitable and already the ‘electoral adjustment’ of the anti-CPI(M) parties has been announced. Interestingly, Jamiat—that has so far projected itself as a major factor in the region—has been offered only two seats for contesting elections, by other non-Left Front partners. The NDA representative, Trinamool, shall contest 18 of the 26 seats.

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