Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde on Saturday came out in strong defence of the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ initiative, accusing the opposition of spreading “fake narratives” regarding constitutional changes and reservations in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Shinde criticised opposition parties for targeting the BJP over distributing welfare kits to poor Muslims, asserting that the Modi government’s welfare schemes benefit all communities equally, without any religious bias.
Key Highlights:
What Is ‘Saugat-e-Modi’?
The ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ campaign is a welfare initiative launched by the BJP Minority Morcha, aiming to distribute special kits containing food, clothes, and essentials to 32 lakh underprivileged Muslims across the country during Eid. The campaign began in Delhi’s Nizamuddin under the guidance of BJP President JP Nadda.
Key highlights of the initiative:
- 32,000 BJP Minority Morcha workers engaged nationwide
- Kits distributed via 32,000 mosques
- Special focus on Ramadan, Eid, Easter, Good Friday, Nauruz, and Indian New Year
- Eid Milan celebrations to be organised at the district level
The campaign aims not only to support poor families during religious festivals but also to raise awareness about central government schemes and foster political support within the Muslim community.
Eknath Shinde’s Statement
Speaking to reporters, Shinde dismissed allegations that the BJP was using the initiative as an election ploy, stating:
“These people spread lies during the Lok Sabha elections that the Constitution will be changed… Now the same people are targeting Modi ji for helping the poor. Modi ji has brought 35 crore people above the poverty line, given free rations to 80 crore people, and launched welfare schemes like Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Drone Didi Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana. Are these only for Hindus? Are Muslims, Christians not included?”
Shinde emphasised that the schemes are inclusive, designed to empower all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.
Opposition’s Response and Accusations
Opposition parties have criticised ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ as a political stunt aimed at gaining Muslim votes ahead of the Bihar elections. Some leaders claim the campaign reflects selective appeasement and tokenism rather than long-term policy reform.
However, BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui countered that the campaign is a genuine outreach effort. He stressed that the initiative is meant to highlight the Modi government’s consistent support for minority welfare through various national schemes.
Broader Political Implications
The ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ campaign fits into the BJP’s broader strategy of Muslim outreach without compromising its Hindutva base. The party’s focus on economic empowerment, rather than religious identity politics, is seen as an effort to rebrand its image among minorities ahead of key elections.
Yasir Zilani, National Media Head of the BJP Minority Morcha, further explained that the campaign is not merely symbolic but part of a long-term political and social integration plan.
‘Saugat-e-Modi’—Welfare or Vote-Bank Politics?
The saugat-e-modi initiative has become a flashpoint in the 2024 election narrative, with Eknath Shinde forcefully rejecting allegations of discrimination and constitutional tampering. Whether the campaign translates into political support among minorities remains to be seen, but for now, the BJP is standing firm on its claim that the government’s welfare vision is inclusive and secular in spirit.
As India heads deeper into election season, initiatives like these will play a critical role in shaping public perception, especially among economically vulnerable communities.
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