Varanasi: “If Varanasi progresses so will we,” feels a large chunk of Muslim weavers in this world-famous weaving centre as most of them steer clear of openly criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their Banarasi sarees having lost sheen post note ban, many of the Muslim weavers are not very happy with the BJP’s policies. Abdul Rauf, a noted handloom dealer, is disappointed over the Prime Minister’s handling of weavers’ concerns but says he continues to have hope in him. A split in their ranks in 2012 was the major reason behind the BJP’s win in all three assembly seats falling in the city. We are 20% in the state but not seen good enough even for one of the 403 seats.

Source: Mint March 05, 2017 09:22 UTC