The rage is directed against “political leaders who come from Delhi on chartered flights and speak of hatred and polarisation every day” and hyper-nationalist TV anchors.
However, a walk through Zakaria Street suggests an overarching belief in the secular fabric of Bengal, overshadowing all other emotions.
Muhammed Samir and Muhammed Tahsin, brothers who trade in stones, own a small shop on the road. Bengali astrologers form the bulk of their clientele.
“If a Hindu customer drops in during iftar, he joins us in sharing the meal. This is not new. Our father did the same thing during his time. We have been raised in this tradition of inclusiveness. During my youth, I used to go pandal-hopping every Durga Puja,” said Samir, 47.