Residents of Muslim-dominated areas lament that while their community and localities bear the brunt of “institutional negligence,” the BMC elections saw political parties largely playing on voters' sentiments. Standing in one of the congested lanes that makes up the Muslim heartland of Madanpura in Central Mumbai, Zakir Ansari (name changed) is perturbed. The real issues around which a civic election should be fought on like roads, water and quality of education are missing from public discourse. “Since Muslims feel let down by most political parties, they may choose candidates who they think may work for them,” he opined. "Out here, the vote is for redevelopment issue and since a Muslim community member has been given ticket who is identified by Muslims here, the contest is between the two," said a voter.

Source: dna February 21, 2017 18:38 UTC