KOLKATA: : An uncharacteristic silence descended upon the otherwise bustling arteries of central and north Kolkata. As TV screens flashed saffron, signalling a historic and decisive victory for BJP, the chaos of Smith Lane, Dedar Baux Lane and Abdul Hamid Lane in central Kolkata was replaced by a watchful, heavy silence, report Zeeshan Javed & Krishnendu Bandyopadhyay. For the first time since Independence, 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 life slowed to a crawl. At tea stalls, the clatter of cups was hushed as groups huddled around mobiles in a state of disbelief. “Naturally, it is not what we expected,” said Mohammad Khalid, a leather merchant. By afternoon, the despondency was palpable. The anxiety stems from a high-decibel campaign that many felt was polarising. However, voices of pragmatism emerged. The community now seems to be searching for a way to bridge the chasm with the new govt.
