BSP eyes Muslim, north Indian votes

MUMBAI: The BSP is eyeing north Indian and Muslim votes in the metropolis, with four of its six candidates from Mumbai seats being either of the two communities.

"The party will soon declare names of the two remaining candidates, who will also be either Muslim or north Indian, in a couple days," BSP state president Vilas Garud said on Thursday.

"North Indians, Muslims and Dalits form a major chunk of voters in the city. However, these communities are being neglected. They want somebody who is from amongst them and would serve them better. This is the reason for giving tickets to north Indian and Muslim candidates," he said.

North Indians are upset with the treatment meted out to them while Muslims are looking for a new secular party which can serve them better, Garud added.

Meanwhile, Congress nominee from Mumbai North Sanjay Nirupam said, "BSP is contesting not to win the polls but to indirectly help communal parties by dividing votes...BSP is here to eat into the Muslim and north Indian votes of Congress in Mumbai. They are here to help BJP and Shiv Sena by dividing the votes."

Muslims and north Indians constitute 40% of around 80 lakh voters in Mumbai. Marathis, Gujaratis, Marwadis and others comprise the rest, he said.

BSP has fielded Mohammed Ali Shaikh (South Mumbai), Atahar Siddique (North West), Ashok Singh (North East) and Lakhminder Khurana (North Mumbai).

Candidates for South-Central and North-Central are yet to be declared.