Delhi elections 2015: Muslims in Ballimaran constituency may look beyond Congress

NEW DELHI: Dilapidated buildings, severe water crisis, narrow lanes, traffic jams, lack of parking space and parks — this is what Ballimaran constituency is all about. Despite this, the area, like its neighbouring constituencies of Chandni Chowk and Matia Mahal, remains a Congress stronghold. Lack of development in the last 15 years in this predominantly Muslim area has not deterred them from voting for Congress.

But this time, polls will be keenly contested as BJP came second in the 2013 election with 27.05% votes.

In Nabi Karim and Laxman Puri fights over water often land people in police custody. "Politicians, be it the councillor or the MLA, never respond to the basic needs of people," said Manohar Lal, a resident of Laxman Basti.

Things could change as residents are not sure if voting for Congress will help anymore. With the fight across Delhi being between BJP and AAP, many feel a vote for development or the party which could gain majority is a better option. "For Muslims, BJP is definitely an option, but AAP is what youngsters are looking at. The same can't be said about the elders who have traditionally voted for Congress," said Mohd Kazim of Qasabpura.

With the fight across Delhi being between BJP and AAP, many feel a vote for development or the party which could gain majority is a better option.

If the December 2013 voting pattern is any indication, Muslim voters are likely to decide the winner here again. Despite the division of votes between Congress, BSP and AAP, Haroon Yusuf (Congress) alone got 36.17% votes in 2013. For four-time sitting MLA Yusuf, this time the concern is to prevent shifting of Muslim votes to parties fielding Muslim candidates.

With the long-promised railway overbridge between Nabi Karim and Farash Khana still on paper and civic amenities absent, BJP is banking on the developmental plank and the Modi wave to breach this Congress bastion.