“There hasn’t been an election when BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] leaders do not recall the 2002 riots,” Jamaalbhai, a carpenter in the Muslim-dominated Juhapura in Ahmedabad said. “We have learnt to live with it,” he added.
“They tried to create a problem for Narendra Bhai but he taught them such a lesson that they have not dared to do anything till 2022. But after they were taught a lesson in 2002, these elements left that path (of violence). They refrained from indulging in violence from 2002 till 2022. BJP has established permanent peace in Gujarat by taking strict action against those who used to indulge in communal violence,” Shah declared at an election rally.
Gazala, a social worker who works in the education sector, told The Wire that barring a small section of the middle classes and rich, most Muslims in Gujarat are living in miserable conditions. “They are forced to leave their education, start work at a very early age, and live under the cloud of fear. The community is constantly stressed about coming to terms with being second-class citizens in their home state,” she said.
by Ajoy Ashirwad Mahaprashasta
8/12/2022