In poll season, netas reach out to locals at iftar meets

Kolkata: With Ramzan underway and elections only weeks away, Kolkata is witnessing a flurry of community iftars organised by political parties and netas. Traditionally held towards the later part of the holy month, this year's iftars began in the first week, reflecting both the social importance of Ramzan and the strategic outreach by political figures."Normally community iftars are organised more towards the festival of Eid. But this time it started from the beginning of the month as elections can be announced any moment," said Mohammad Tabrez, joint secretary of Trinamool minority cell in central Kolkata.One of the reasons behind the early start is that once polls are announced, the model code of conduct (MCC) will come into force. Political parties and leaders will have to follow several guidelines once it does. Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) traditionally organises a large iftar gathering at Park Circus Maidan, attended by chief minister Mamata Banerjee. This year, it took place within the first week of Ramzan itself. "Elections may be announced any time now, so it might not be possible to organise the annual iftar then, as the MCC will come into effect," a Trinamool councillor said. In Kolkata, traditionally, members of various faiths come together during iftar. "Iftar is a way of outreach to the community, and various leaders of the party attend them in their respective areas. People from all communities are invited to break bread together," said Serajul Karm of the south Kolkata minority cell. Locals, too, attend the iftars, making them important for politicians. Congress hosted its annual iftar on Sunday, drawing several leaders and workers. "This is an annual ritual where party workers and leaders break bread together," said Mohammad Mukhtar, a Congress functionary.Across the city, many MPs, MLAs, and councillors have been attending multiple iftar gatherings in different localities. "Different functionaries and branches of the party have been organising iftar and inviting the politicians. Elections are round the corner, too, so I cannot miss any invitation," a Trinamool MLA said.