 "Muslim outfit extends support to Kejriwal")
The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, an Islamist outfit, has announced its support to Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday. Kejriwal is taking on Bhartiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.
This might raise the prospects of the AAP chief, who is eyeing significant Muslim votes in the holy city.
Muslims comprise a major 20 per cent of the total electorate in Varanasi, matching the numbers of Brahmins and the Kurmis, other major voting blocs.
Earlier, Janata Dal (United), a former BJP ally, had extended support to Kejriwal and said the party would campaign in Varanasi against Modi.
This might raise the prospects of the AAP chief, who is eyeing significant Muslim votes in the holy city.
Muslims comprise a major 20 per cent of the total electorate in Varanasi, matching the numbers of Brahmins and the Kurmis, other major voting blocs.
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This also becomes significant after the withdrawal of Quami Akali Dal leader Mukhtar Ansari to put a strong secular force against Modi. After his withdrawal, Ansari had lent support to Congress candidate, Ajay Rai.
Earlier, Janata Dal (United), a former BJP ally, had extended support to Kejriwal and said the party would campaign in Varanasi against Modi.