Giving them company was none other than Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee who seized the opportunity to reach out to the community that is slowly and steadily inching towards her party in the state.

With a scarf wrapped round her head, she sat down to break bread with the members of the community that had not too long ago deserted her party as she hobnobbed with the BJP.

Members of Muslim League — one of the 21 parties participating in dharna spearheaded by Banerjee —were out in full force.

Hundreds of young men sat with each other while a separate platform was for women to take part.

An Imam was also brought in from South 24 Paraganas for performing dua and aazaan. At 4.30 pm, the main stage was vacated for offering namaz while a second camp was vacated for the Muslim women. The same was repeated at 6.30 pm.

“This is only the beginning. Now we have roza and as promised we will have Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Christmas and New Year celebrations here,” said Mamata.

The food consisted of dates, slices of fruits like apples, bananas, boiled chickpea and pakoras with juice.

“We have made arrangements for more than 1,500 people and all the food has been made by party workers,” said Tajul Islam, a party worker.