BJP is contemplating fielding more Muslim candidates in the state. (Representational)
The BJP on Tuesday said it is contemplating fielding more Muslim candidates in the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, buoyed by the “great response” in the recent panchayat polls.
“We are receiving a great response from minority communities and more people are showing willingness to join our party and contest the election. If we find suitable candidates from minority communities and have a chance of winning, we will definitely consider making them our candidates. Nothing has been finalised as of yet. However, given the support we have received so far from them, the number of Muslim candidates is likely to go up compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls,” state BJP minority morcha president Ali Hossain told The Indian Express.
There are four districts in North Bengal with large Muslim populations. According to a 2011 census, Malda has 51 per cent Muslim population, North Dinajpur has 49 per cent, South Dinajpur has 42 per cent, while Cooch Behar has 31 per cent minority population, of which a large number are Muslims.
“Our party does not believe in giving election tickets to candidates based on their identity. However, if we get candidates who have the ability as an individual to win the election, then his identity will not matter at all,” said state BJP president Dilip Ghosh.