It will work in our favour," a BJP leader said. This is, perhaps, the first time the top BJP leader has harped on such issues. The eastern region has not seen major riots in the recent past but BJP leaders claim a "communal undercurrent" among the people. BJP leaders also appeared excited by reports that the Samajwadi-Congress alliance had not prevented a split in Muslim votes. It is only being talked about in the media, not on the ground," a BJP leader said.

Source: The Telegraph February 20, 2017 21:36 UTC