Muslim community responds to PM Modi’s order to reach out to them ahead of 2024 polls
At the recently held BJP national executive meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked party workers to approach every citizen and let them know about the country’s rising status ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His main focus was on the Muslim community, especially the Pasmanda Muslims.
When India Today reached out to the community to gauge the effect of PM Modi’s statement, most of them appreciated the prime minister’s sentiments. However, many also said his statements need to be translated into actions and did not easily sing his praise.
Amir Ahmed Jafri, senior advocate and former secretary of the Collectorate Bar Association, asked why PM Modi is only talking about Pasmanda Muslims “when he should take all Muslims along”.
He added, “It is his responsibility to do concrete work, to give benefits of government schemes to the Muslims, and give representation to Muslims in the BJP and government as well. Speech alone will not work.”
Haji Mohammad Iqbal, Chief of Islamic Peace and Foundation Development, said, “We fully support the positive initiative of Prime Minister Modi, but whether what he has said will be implemented or not, time will tell. Mere rhetoric will not work.”
Senior High Court advocate Rubina Anjum said that these are all political gimmicks.
“What has happened suddenly that only Pasmanda Muslims are being talked about while there are other classes/castes among Muslims whose condition is not good? There should be equal treatment according to the Constitution. There is a system according to the Constitution and there are also fundamental rights, so nothing is going to happen with the statements. Modi’s statement has to be implemented to be believed.”
Sami Aghai, the president of the Indian Muslim Development Council, said PM Modi and the BJP are focusing on the upcoming assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“If Prime Minister Modi is so concerned about the upliftment of the Muslim community, then he should bring the Sachchar Committee to the Lok Sabha to discuss it or make a plan of the same level and follow it and give a place to the Muslim community in the organisation and the government.”
According to the information received by India Today, the country has had 400 Muslim MPs so far, out of which 60 were Muslim Pasmandas.
