In a major outreach initiative, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to distribute special festive kits named ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ (Gifts from Prime Minister Modi) to members of Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities. The distribution will coincide with three upcoming festivals—Eid, Baisakhi, and Easter—marking an effort to strengthen community engagement.
BJP’s Minority Morcha chief, Jamal Siddiqui, stated that the initiative aligns with the consecutive observance of these festivals—Eid in late March, Baisakhi on April 14, and Easter on April 20.
Strategic Outreach Amid Political Backlash
This move comes amid criticism from sections of the Muslim community over the Waqf Amendment Bill. Prominent Muslim organizations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Imarat-e-Sharia, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, recently boycotted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Iftar event, citing his alliance with the BJP and support for the Bill.
In a letter to Kumar, these groups expressed discontent, stating, “You came to power promising a secular government and protection of minority rights. However, your alliance with the BJP and support for the unconstitutional Waqf Amendment Bill contradict these commitments.”
With Bihar gearing up for elections later this year, the Iftar boycott became a widely discussed political development. However, BJP leaders insist that the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ initiative is not linked to elections or the Waqf Bill controversy.
Distribution Plan: 32 Lakh Beneficiaries
The BJP aims to reach 32 lakh people across the three faiths with the festive kits, which will include dry fruits, besan (gram flour), suji (semolina), sewai (vermicelli), sugar, and a salwar kameez set. The program will be executed by approximately 32,000 volunteers nationwide, with each volunteer assigned to connect with 100 households of different faiths.
“If direct outreach proves challenging, volunteers have been advised to coordinate with local mosques, gurdwaras, or churches for distribution,” Siddiqui explained. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the Modi government’s philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with All, Development for All).
Dismissing any electoral motives behind the campaign, Siddiqui remarked, “Elections happen every year in some part of India. Does that mean we stop doing good work?”
When asked about the budget for the initiative, he declined to disclose figures, saying, “Gifts are priceless.”
This outreach initiative highlights the BJP’s efforts to engage with minority communities while navigating ongoing political debates.
