Lok Sabha Elections in Aligarh: Hopes, Aspirations, and Rivalries

I returned to the village earlier this week and found that there had been no physical changes. Among the homes, the ruins of abandoned havelis with exquisitely carved wooden doors stood as reminders of a grander past when wealthy Bania families dominated the village’s life and economy.

In the early 1990s, some Banias were attacked, leading to a mass exodus and a shift to other areas, although they retained ownership of the farming land and rented it to neighboring Jats for cultivation. The political scene in the village is complex.

The Brahmins and Banias are likely to vote for the BJP, citing the need for protection against the use of the Harijan Act. However, there is division within the Brahmin community, as some are inclined to support the BSP candidate.

Other communities in the village, such as the Khatiks, Dhobis, Jatavs, and Muslims, also express their voting preferences based on various factors, including past experiences and perceptions of safety and security. The political landscape in the upcoming elections is influenced by changing alliances and the sentiments of different communities.

While the RLD allying with the BJP may seem advantageous, there is division among RLD supporters. The dissatisfaction with the lack of job opportunities and the expense of education is a common concern across communities in the village, adding further complexity to the electoral dynamics.

Overall, the forthcoming elections in the village will be influenced by a combination of hopes, ambitions, old rivalries, and changing party alliances.