Muslim Perspectives on Modi and Yogi’s Leadership
A media team visited Ayodhya to gauge the opinions of the Muslim community regarding the Modi government. During their visit to the Muslim-dominated area of Mavai in Rudauli assembly, residents openly shared their views on the government’s policies and leadership.
Reflecting on the decade-long tenure of the Modi government, a Muslim individual underscored the significant strides made under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Yogi. They credited the duo for initiating a multitude of impactful schemes, expressing optimism about the re-election of the Modi government.
An elderly member of the Muslim community shared poignant sentiments regarding CM Yogi’s governance, particularly in curbing lawlessness across Uttar Pradesh. They recounted the challenges faced during the previous administration, highlighting instances of harassment, unjust imprisonment, and the demolition of their homes.
In stark contrast, CM Yogi’s administration provided them with not just shelter but a renewed sense of security, earning their profound loyalty and even willingness to make sacrifices for him. Furthermore, the resolution of the longstanding Ram Mandir dispute was hailed as a landmark achievement of the PM Modi and CM Yogi-led government.
Previously exploited for political gains and fueling communal tensions, the resolution of this age-old dispute under their leadership ushered in a newfound sense of unity and respect among communities. The individual emphasized the transformative impact of the Modi government, affirming that under its stewardship, every individual has the right to live with dignity and respect.
Another Muslim individual emphasized that the Muslim community’s allegiance cannot be bought by any political party, including the Samajwadi Party (SP). Those Muslims who support PM Modi do so wholeheartedly, rejecting the notion that their loyalty can be swayed by any other political entity.
Despite SP’s perception that the Modi government will not secure re-election, this individual expressed confidence in its return for a third term. They cited the widespread benefits of government schemes across all sections of society as evidence of the incumbent government’s popularity and effectiveness.
PM Modi Reaffirms Support for Muslim Women During UP Visit
Addressing his first physical rally in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the Yogi Adityanath government’s efforts to prevent crimes against Muslim women, contrasting it with the hindrances posed by other political entities to their progress.
The rally, held in Saharanpur as part of the Uttar Pradesh elections, coincided with the commencement of voting in 58 constituencies in the western region of the state. During the rally, Modi specifically reached out to Muslim voters, highlighting the legislation enacted against triple talaq in 2019.
“We have liberated Muslim sisters from the oppression of triple talaq. As Muslim sisters began openly supporting the BJP, it made certain political factions uneasy. These opportunistic individuals are attempting to obstruct the progress of Muslim daughters. Our government unequivocally stands by Muslim women,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared.
In a veiled criticism of his opponents, Modi remarked that while the BJP administration supports every Muslim woman who faces injustice, its adversaries have been “misguiding” them. “These individuals are deceiving Muslim sisters to ensure that the lives of Muslim daughters remain stagnant,” he asserted.
Triple talaq, formally known as the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, was enacted by the Indian Parliament on July 30, 2019, criminalizing the practice of instant triple talaq. This legislative measure aimed to provide greater protection for the rights of Muslim women within marriage.
On February 8, Prime Minister Modi once again reached out to Muslim voters during a hybrid rally focusing on assembly seats in Rampur, Badaun, and Sambhal.
“Despite facing criticism, I pushed forward with the abolition of the triple talaq practice. My concern was not about securing votes, but about addressing the plight of women,” he reiterated during the rally. Additionally, he highlighted his government’s decision to raise the marriageable age of women to 21 years, emphasizing how this move would empower Muslim women to pursue their aspirations.
During the rally held on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi revisited the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013 and the communal violence in Saharanpur in 2017, citing them as examples of how people become targets under political patronage.
Read more:PM Modi Unveils BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ Manifesto for Lok Sabha Polls
“What occurred in Muzaffarnagar left a stain on society, but the events in Saharanpur were equally distressing. The Saharanpur riots serve as a testament to how individuals are victimized under the shelter of political backing. Your response during the 2017 elections sent a powerful message to those instigating violence,” Modi remarked, reflecting on the significance of the 2017 assembly elections in response to communal tensions.
In his address, Modi criticized the Opposition for indulging in dynasty politics, urging the public to be wary of their exaggerated promises. He singled out a particular party, labeling it as a “parivaar-vaad” (dynastic) party, accusing it of making false assurances to the people of Uttar Pradesh. Modi highlighted the disparity in their promises versus actions, citing an example of electricity provision where certain districts received preferential treatment while others, like Saharanpur, were neglected.
Furthermore, Modi leveled allegations against the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of practicing “fake socialism” through dynastic politics. He drew attention to the lineage of prominent socialist leaders like Lohia, George Fernandes, and Nitish Kumar, contrasting them with the prevalent dynasty politics within the SP. Modi revealed receiving information suggesting a significant number of individuals from the SP holding positions, emphasizing the threat posed by such dynastic practices to democratic principles.
In addition, Modi emphasized his government’s stance on business, asserting that the government should refrain from commercial ventures. Instead, he underscored his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of small-scale farmers and enhancing infrastructure such as roads for the benefit of the general public.