The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its distribution of ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ kits to Muslims ahead of Eid, while simultaneously pushing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
The BJP had launched a nationwide campaign on March 25, aiming to reach out to the Muslim community by distributing kits containing edible items and clothes for women among underprivileged Muslims. However, the initiative has drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the RJD, which accused the saffron party of engaging in appeasement tactics while allegedly curtailing minority rights through legislative measures.
Posters Criticizing BJP Surface in Patna
In a sharp rebuke, RJD leaders put up posters outside the official residence of Rabri Devi, former Bihar Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council. The posters carried a strong message against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s stance on the Waqf Bill.
One of the posters read: “Aankh chheen kar chasma daine vale log, rakh lo apne pass yeh Saugat-e-Modi’ kit” (Those who take away eyesight and offer glasses, keep this gift to yourselves). The posters prominently featured a caricature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with four hands holding labels such as Waqf Bill, NRC, and Masjid.
Other NDA leaders, including Union Minister Chirag Paswan and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, were also depicted in the posters, with their hands labeled ‘Waqf Board’ and ‘NRC,’ respectively. The message on the posters, reportedly put up by RJD leaders from Jehanabad district, urged the BJP to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill if it truly wanted to extend goodwill.
“If you wish to distribute something on Eid, spread love—not division. But we know this isn’t possible because your (NDA’s) shop of hatred will shut down,” the poster further read.
Additionally, the posters referenced a modified version of a popular song from the 1974 Bollywood film ‘Roti’: “Dil ke andar kya hai? Dil ke bahar kya hai? Yeh sab kuch pehchaanti hai, yeh public hai sab kuch jaanti hai” (People know everything—what’s inside the heart and what’s outside).
BJP’s Minority Outreach Ahead of Elections
The BJP’s ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ initiative aims to distribute kits to 32 lakh economically weaker Muslims across the country ahead of Eid. The move is perceived as part of the party’s broader strategy to connect with minority communities in the run-up to the upcoming elections. However, the RJD and other opposition parties have alleged that the outreach is a mere political stunt, meant to divert attention from the contentious Waqf Bill and other policies impacting minorities.
The political row over the initiative has intensified ahead of Eid celebrations, with opposition leaders questioning the BJP’s sincerity in addressing issues concerning the Muslim community. As debates continue, the saffron party remains firm on its outreach efforts, while the opposition vows to challenge policies they deem detrimental to minority rights.
