Post-verdict, Muslim mood may impact JD-U

Peeved at the judgment, which awarded two-thirds of the disputed land to Hindus, Muslims could express their anger at the ruling alliance of the BJP and the JD-U.

The court verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title suit may influence the October-November assembly elections in Bihar.

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Peeved at the judgment, which awarded two-thirds of the disputed land to Hindus, Muslims could express their anger at the ruling alliance of the BJP and the JD-U.

JD-U leader and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar carries immense personal clout among Muslims. But the party’s association with the “anti-Muslim” BJP — which led the movement to pull down the Babri Masjid for a Ram temple in its place — has always been a liability.

The old wounds have been reopened by the “unjust” verdict and many Muslim leaders of the JD-U are said to be under pressure to quit the party.

Supporters of Mohammad Taslimuddin, for instance, harangued him in Araria district to contest as an independent candidate.

Taslimuddin denied he was about to leave the JD-U but some supporters said he may simply sit out the assembly polls and contest in the next Lok Sabha elections.

Muslims have many options. These include the main opposition RJD, which won Bihar’s Muslim vote for nearly 15 years and still enjoys widespread support.

The Congress, which the Muslims had deserted in the wake of Babri Masjid’s demolition, has also been making a comeback. Muslims voted for the party in Bihar and other parts of India in the Lok Sabha polls.