BJP’s 'Shukriya Modi Bhaijaan' comes to Karnataka to woo Muslims for Lok Sabha

The BJP is said to be changing its strategy in Karnataka with schemes to woo the Muslim community, particularly Sufis and women, signalling a departure from its previous dismissive stance in an attempt to regain lost ground after facing defeat by the Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections.

Taking inspiration from its successful 'Shukriya Modi Bhaijaan' campaign in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is positioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a champion of Muslim women's rights, according to a report published in The News Minute.

The party plans to highlight Modi's initiatives, such as the Ujjwala scheme for cooking gas, construction of izzat ghars (toilets), Ayushman Bharat for health insurance, Awas Yojana for livelihood, the triple talaq ban, an increase in Haj quota, and removing the requirement for a mahram (male guardian) during Haj.

The BJP's outreach efforts, led by the newly appointed Karnataka BJP Minority Morcha President Anil Thomas, include a targeted campaign in five crucial Lok Sabha constituencies where Muslim voters play a decisive role. These constituencies include Bengaluru Central, Raichur, Bidar, Kalaburgi, and Belagavi.

A key aspect of the BJP's strategy involves reaching out to the Sufi community, a mystical form of Islam practised in India for centuries. Sufism, known for its inclusive and tolerant nature, embraces elements from various religions, making it an attractive target for the BJP's outreach.

Prime Minister Modi, who has shown interest in Sufism, sent a sacred chadar to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, a prominent Sufi saint.

Sufis like Syed Tahazeer and SA Muneer Ahmed Shah Chistiul Qadri from Bengaluru Rural are actively participating in the Sufi Samvad Maha Abhiyan, where the Modi government's schemes and programs are explained to Muslims across the country. The BJP aims to leverage these Sufi influencers to create a chain of Mureeds (disciples) to spread awareness about Modi's work.

Anil Thomas revealed that seeking Sufi support was a directive from Modi himself, emphasizing the inclusive and harmonious approach of Sufis. The party plans to hold Sufi Samvads in areas with a significant minority population, with one such dialogue scheduled in Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, on January 22.

While the BJP has not traditionally given electoral tickets to Muslims in Karnataka Assembly polls, the current outreach strategy may lead to a shift in this stance. Anil Thomas hinted at the possibility of nominating Karnataka State Minorities Commission Chairman Abdul Azeem from Bengaluru North, acknowledging the importance of minority representation.

As the party aims to rebuild its support base, the focus on Sufis and women suggests a nuanced strategy aimed at addressing specific concerns and building a broader coalition ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.