Shiraz, local shop owner in Aligarh: Can't trust any party, thinking of not voting at all

Elections are not just about politicians. They're about people and issues. And what will really drive their vote.

Catch is, therefore, starting a 'People of UP' series, which will capture what different impact groups across the state are feeling. This is true insight on the Uttar Pradesh election: up-close and hyper-personal.

Shiraz is a local shop owner at the Usman Para area of Aligarh. He sells locks and other small home products in his shop. He runs his tiny shop to feed a family of 5. For him, politicians and promises are a farce.

"I am thinking of not voting at all. All parties are the same. They make promises and nothing happens after the voting is done. It doesn't matter to me who wins."

Shiraz feels that because the majority of his community in the area is voting for the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, he is inclined to cast his vote there eventually.

"The differences within the Samajwadi Party seems like a conspiracy. Now Shivpal Yadav intends to start his own party. Muslims have supported the Samajwadi Party under Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav), now the votes of Muslims may get divided. Then BJP will take the cake. So I am going to vote where the majority of Muslims will vote."

Shiraz was not particularly upset with Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh until Zameerullah Khan from Aligarh (2-time MLA from SP from Koil, Aligarh) was not given an SP ticket this time. "He is a candidate who is admired here, because he is running as an independent candidate, the Muslim vote will get distributed in this area."

"At least Mayawati does what she says, I my vote for her too," Shiraz chimes in.