KOLKATA: An uncharacteristic silence descended upon the otherwise bustling arteries of central and north Kolkata on Monday. As the television screens across the state flashed saffron, signalling a historic and decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party, the vibrant chaos of Smith Lane, Deedar Bux Lane and Abdul Hamid Lane in central Kolkata was replaced by a watchful, heavy silence.For the first time since Independence, West Bengal’s Muslim community — roughly 27% of the state’s population — is grappling with a political reality where the party in office is one with whom the “trust factor” has historically been thin.
In wards 29, 43 and 65, spanning Narkeldanga to Park Circus, the usual rhythm of daily life slowed to a crawl. At tea stalls and small eateries along Zakaria Street and Rabindra Sarani, the clatter of cups was hushed as groups huddled around mobiles, refreshing news feeds in a state of visible disbelief. “We have been tracking this since the first hour. Naturally, it is not what we expected,” said Mohammad Khalid, a leather merchant on Maulana Shaukat Ali Street. “The early trends were a shock, but as the gap widened, the hope that things would turn around just evaporated.”By mid-afternoon, the despondency was palpable. On Madan Mohan Burman Street, Irfan Abbas, a medical store assistant, watched as the local Trinamool office — once a hub of frantic activity — quietly pulled down its shutters. “At this stage, a BJP govt is inevitable. We are entering unknown territory,” Abbas remarked.The anxiety stems largely from a high-decibel campaign that many residents felt was polarising. “There was a lot said during the rallies that made people here anxious about their place in the state’s future,” whispered an elderly resident of Zakaria Street, requesting anonymity.However, amidst the apprehension, voices of pragmatism began to emerge. The community, while cautious, appears to be searching for a way to bridge the chasm with the new administration.“The minorities have to reconcile with the fact that BJP’s rule is a reality now,” said Hasnain Imam, a central Kolkata resident who tracks community political shifts. “Only negativity won’t help. One can only hope that the BJP sheds its anti-minority rhetoric and provides the ‘good and clean governance’ they promised. If they deliver on development without discrimination, it could bridge the gap.”As evening fell, the deserted lanes of Hyde Lane and Collin Lane stood in stark contrast to the victory celebrations erupting in other parts of the city.
