Last Stand

BJP has taken the fight to Mamata’s backyard

- Rabi Banerjee

Atiny lane leads to the oldest mosque in Asansol town. Maulana Imdadullah Rashidi, the imam, lives on the first floor of the mosque. His son was killed a year ago, allegedly by a group of Hindus, on Ram Navami day. A crowd of Muslims caught hold of two Hindus and wanted to kill them in retaliation. The imam stopped the crowd, saying he would leave the town for good if they harmed the two Hindus.

It prevented a communal riot, and Rashidi received thousands of calls appreciating his great-heartedness. On the polling day in Asansol, I asked him if his name was used in the election campaign. “Many political leaders across India called me,” he said. “Leaders in Bengal met me. But they did not ask me to support any political party.”

The imam was a bit upset that Prime Minister Narendra Modi never called him. “If he can call everyone after donating a gas cylinder, why not me? Is he not my prime minister, too?” he asked.

BJP leader Babul Supriyo, the local MP, was one of those who called. The singer-turned politician offered a soiree for the imam. He turned it down.