Shafaqna India: Modi’s relentless attacks on Congress in the context of Muslims have been a recurring theme over the years, but during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they seem to have reached a saturation point, drawing less attention from the public. What was once a strategy to galvanize support has now turned counterproductive for the BJP, generating sympathy among veteran politicians who are speaking out in support of Muslim reservations for the first time.
The political landscape leading up to the elections was marked by a focus on critical issues such as inflation, unemployment, economic crises, and corruption under the Modi government. In response to these pressing concerns, the BJP attempted to shift the narrative by polarising against Muslim population, which constitutes approximately 15% of India’s demographics, in contrast to the 80% Hindu majority. However, this tactic failed to resonate significantly with voters who were more concerned about substantive issues affecting their daily lives. Moreover many veteran politicians not only criticised Modi’s hate campaign against Muslims but also called for Muslim reservation.
Modi’s rhetoric, particularly his speech on April 7th targeting Muslims, seemed to backfire. During a rally in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, Modi accused the Congress of favoring minorities in cricket team selection, insinuating religious bias and suggesting that this approach would dilute India’s identity. This accusation was met with surprise by many Muslim cricketers who had earned their positions based on merit, rather than religious considerations. Notably, non-Muslim Indian cricketers refrained from commenting on Modi’s statement, highlighting a reluctance or discomfort with engaging in such divisive rhetoric.
Another contentious statement made by Modi during the same rally was his expressed desire for a strong mandate to prevent Congress from reinstating Article 370 in Kashmir and to avoid a scenario where a “Babri Lock” will be put on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya if voted to power. This provocative language, especially concerning the Babri Lock, contrasted sharply with public sentiment, as recent surveys indicated that the Ram Mandir issue was not a top priority for voters in this election cycle. Home Minister Amit Shah further amplified this divisive tone during his address in Lucknow, contributing to an increasingly polarized discourse.
The fallout from Modi’s remarks was evident in the reactions of prominent political figures. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy affirmed that 4% Muslim reservations would be maintained, despite Modi’s earlier statements opposing such quotas for Muslims. This stance was echoed by Chandrababu Naidu, a BJP ally, who also pledged 4% Muslim reservation in Andhra Pradesh. These assurances came in response to Modi’s position that quotas for Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs should not be extended to Muslims.
Veteran politicians like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Pawar also weighed in on the debate, expressing support for Muslim reservations and condemning Modi’s communal rhetoric. Lalu Prasad Yadav asserted that Muslims deserve not just reservation but “full reservation,” countering Modi’s allegations of a covert plan to introduce Muslim quotas. Sharad Pawar criticized Modi for repeatedly targeting a specific community and noted that public opinion was turning against such divisive tactics.
Modi’s attempts to leverage communal sentiments in the 2024 elections have faced diminishing returns, with public discourse shifting back to substantive issues and generating sympathy for the cause of Muslim reservations among influential political figures.
Source: Muslim Mirror