Gujarat Election 2022: Muslim Community In Juhapur Continue To Struggle For Basic Needs
Juhapura, 5th December 2022: The second phase of voting for the Gujarat Assembly elections began today (November 5). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had contested for the first time, campaigned for this election. All three parties made big promises to the people of Gujarat. But, despite the one-handed rule of the BJP in Gujarat for the last 15 years, many citizens still have to face the issues of roads, education and inflation.
Juhapura is a village near Ahmedabad. There is a Muslim community of about five lakhs residing here. It is said to be the largest Muslim community in India. But, the citizens said that the Muslim community here still has to fight for basic needs.
Rafia Maniyar said, “After getting married in 1990, I decided to settle in Vasana in Ahmedabad. But, due to the riots in 1990, we had to move to the predominantly Muslim Juhapura area. After the 2002 riots, Muslims from Ahmedabad and other states of Gujarat decided to settle here.”
“After the 2002 riots, people have become sensible. They know that innocent people are killed in riots, and real criminals stay away. So now there is no possibility of a riot. Inflation, roads and quality education are important issues right now. But, it is not sure that any political party will solve their problems after the assembly elections,” Maniyar expressed.
“Juhapura was separated from Ahmedabad. Therefore, without basic infrastructure, we have to remain deprived. Lack of gas, roads, drainage and water are the problems we face regularly. The Muslim community needs economic prosperity. The girl in my neighbourhood got good marks and wanted to become a doctor. But, as there was no money for education, she had to switch to another department,” Maniyar added.
Another resident of the Juhapura area, Qadri, said, “BJP, Congress and AAP have avoided campaigning in the Juhapura area. Many citizens of Juhapura do not have voter ID cards. Therefore people here do not even vote. BJP does not need Muslim votes. Congress has taken us for granted. AAP is based on soft Hindutva; they have also avoided campaigning in the area,” said Qadri.
