Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Patna: A group of poor Muslim women gathered at the Mazar near Patna High Court to receive the much-anticipated ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ on March 27. However, their excitement quickly turned to frustration, with many exclaiming, “Yeh kya diya hai (what have they given us)?”
One of the women said, “The sari costs Rs 100 and the lungi is worth Rs 80. There is neither petticoat (underskirt) nor blouse with the sari. Also there is no ganji (vest) or kurta with the lungi.”
Another woman added in anger, “We came fasting, under the scorching sun, and Modi ji is mocking us.”
Others too expressed their discontent over the meager portions, complaining about the “ek pauwa lachha (just a quarter kilogram of lachcha)”.
This was the immediate reaction to the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ (an Eid kit for underprivileged Muslims) initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Yet, many Muslims question the sincerity of this program, which they view as nothing more than an outreach initiative by a Hindutva-centric political party to appease the Muslim community ahead of crucial Bihar Assembly elections, which will be held this year.
The ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ was announced by BJP Minority Morcha National President Jamal Siddiqui on March 26 in New Delhi. The media portrayed it as a continuation of Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, development for all) policy. The first distribution of the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ kits took place at Ghalib Academy, a prestigious institution located in the affluent Hazrat Nizamuddin area of the national capital.
Though the initiative is reportedly aimed at all minority communities, its timing, just before Eid, appears targeted at winning Muslim support. The BJP has been attempting to woo the Pasmanda (marginalised) Muslims, though this term was notably absent in the announcement; instead, the focus was solely on the “poor” section.
According to media reports, around 32 lakh minority community members are expected to receive the kit during festivals such as Vaisakhi, Good Friday and Easter. The kit is said to cost around Rs 500-600 each.
Siddiqui claimed the BJP Minority Morcha has 32,000 active members, each tasked with identifying 100 needy individuals. They are encouraged to visit religious places to distribute the kits.
Ali Anwar, president of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz, speaking to TwoCirles.net, shared his skepticism, calling it a ‘Chhlawa’ (deception) by the Modi government and the BJP.
He asked, “They talk about Muslim outreach and Pasmanda outreach, but what have they really done? Mob lynchings, bulldozer injustice, seizing and demolishing mosques and killing people in the name of Gau Raksha. Is this the ‘Saugat’ they are offering?”
The former Janata Dal (United) Rajya Sabha MP, Anwar, who has now joined the Congress, pointed out that the Pasmanda community has long opposed both Jinnah and Savarkar, and yet, this government, following the path of Savarkar, is hoping to win over the Pasmanda community. “Are Pasmanda people fools?” he questioned.
Professor Abdul Qadir, an observer of Modi’s policies, stated, “The ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ initiative does not surprise me. Gimmickry has become the hallmark of this government. These are the tactics of bahroopiyas (impostors). Perhaps, recipients will be identified by the clothes they wear.”
Many observers speculate that this kit scheme is primarily aimed at Muslims in Bihar, especially as the state heads to the polls in October. The BJP is desperate to form its own government in the state, as the popularity of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has significantly declined. This initiative is seen as an attempt to win over the state’s poor Muslim population.
Earlier this year, Arif Mohammad Khan was appointed as the Governor of Bihar, a move seen by some as an attempt to confuse Muslim voters. Despite being unpopular among the common Muslim populace, Khan has been actively participating in programs organised for Muslims. Jokingly, many say he is currently the most accessible governor for Muslims in India.
Will ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ help BJP in Pasmanda Outreach?
DM Diwakar, former director of the AN Sinha Institute of Social Sciences, said, “Modi ji is always focused on how to confuse voters and attract them for his immediate political needs, converting them into his supporters, regardless of their community. So, this does not surprise me. It does not indicate any shift in his agenda.”
Professor Abdul Qadir echoed this sentiment, saying, “I have my doubts that this will help the BJP in its Muslim or Pasmanda outreach. People are not as gullible as some think. The public knows what is going on. Moreover, the track record of this government does not inspire confidence among minorities.”
Diwakar added, “People are aware of Modi’s strategies. This does not increase his outreach to Muslims or Pasmanda communities at all.”
Will this benefit BJP in Bihar polls?
Diwakar asserted, “In the case of Bihar, where Nitish Kumar is struggling to retain Muslim voters, there is little chance that the BJP will gain Muslim support.”
Professor Qadir was also skeptical about the kit program’s potential to influence the Bihar Assembly election. “Modi ki Saugat is deceptive, if not fraudulent. It does not reveal the true identity of the people who funded it. Many might believe the government paid for it, but it is unclear whether it is the party or the government footing the bill.”
Both Qadir and Anwar believe that this kit initiative is also aimed at enhancing Modi’s image in Middle Eastern countries, which are “flush with money”.
Anwar suggested that it could be a diversionary tactic to shift attention away from the ongoing protests against the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Muslim organisations view this bill as an attempt by the government to seize Waqf properties and deprive Muslims of their rights.
Critics are viewing the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ as a calculated political move rather than a genuine gesture of goodwill. As the 2025 Bihar elections draw closer, it remains to be seen whether this initiative will resonate with the electorate or be dismissed as just another political stunt.