PM Modi at Sufi Event: As BJP Steps Up Outreach, What is it Hoping to Gain?
PM Modi’s Visit to 25th Edition of Jahan-e-Khusrau: A Symbol of BJP’s Growing Efforts to Reach Out to Sufis
Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the 25th edition of Jahan-e-Khusrau, a Sufi cultural event in Delhi, has sparked a debate about the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) attempts to strengthen its ties with the Sufi community. This move can be seen as a part of the party’s broader efforts to expand its outreach to Muslims, who have been a vital electoral demographic for the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in the past.
What is Behind the BJP’s Sufi Outreach?
The BJP’s Minority Morcha has been actively engaging with Sufis across the country, with a focus on fostering dialogue and cooperation between the two parties. According to Jamal Siddiqui, the national president of the BJP Minority Morcha, the purpose of this outreach is to promote Sufism as a symbol of Indian Islam and to highlight its pluralist traditions, including reverence for Hindu deities like Lord Krishna among medieval Muslim poets.
Sufism: A Symbol of Indian Pluralism
Sufism is often regarded as a more inclusive and tolerant form of Islam, which emphasizes spiritual growth and direct connection with God, rather than relying solely on the Quran. It is this very essence of Sufism that bears close resemblance to the Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the world is one family, as enunciated by Lord Krishna. Sufi saints like Rumi and Amir Khusrau have been instrumental in promoting this message of unity and understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Amir Khusrau: The 13th Century Sufi Poet and Musician
Amir Khusrau, the 13th century Sufi poet and musician, is a significant figure in Indian Sufi tradition. His poetry is known for its rich lyrics, which often speak of the beauty of nature, love, and spirituality. His works have had a profound impact on Indian literature, and he is still widely regarded as one of the greatest Sufi poets in Indian history.
PM Modi’s Speech at the Sufi Event: A Message of Unity and Inclusivity
In his speech at the Sufi event, PM Modi emphasized the importance of Sufism as India’s pluralistic heritage, highlighting the way Sufi saints recite the Quran and listen to the Vedas. He also drew attention to the similarities between Sufism and Hinduism, citing the example of Rumi’s poem, which praises Lord Krishna. By emphasizing the unity and diversity of Indian culture, PM Modi’s speech underlined the BJP’s efforts to attract a broader section of the Muslim population and to position itself as a party that is committed to promoting national unity and inclusivity.
What is the BJP Hoping to Gain from its Sufi Outreach?
By engaging with Sufis, the BJP is attempting to tap into a segment of the Muslim population that is more open to dialogue and cooperation. The party’s Pasmanda (backward) Muslim outreach program has already made significant inroads, and its Sufi outreach is an extension of this strategy. By emphasizing the universal values of Sufism, the BJP is seeking to distance itself from extremist Islamism and to present itself as a party that is committed to promoting national unity and progress.
As the BJP continues to expand its outreach to Sufis, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to a significant shift in its electoral fortunes. Only time will tell whether the party’s efforts will bear fruit and help it connect with a larger section of Indian Muslims. Nonetheless, the PM’s visit to the Sufi event marks an important step in the party’s efforts to rebrand itself as a more inclusive and pluralistic force in Indian politics.
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