Kiran Rijiju: Union Minister and BJP leader Kiren Rijiju has recently made some strong statements that can be said to be offensive regarding how the Congress party had treated the minorities, especially Muslims. When asked provocatively, “Who made you poor in the last 60 years? Congress did it,” he opined, “Not a single welfare scheme undertaken by this government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not focused on the Muslims.”. He identifies opening bank accounts, constructing houses, availability of water and electricity, as well as lending facilities, and says these were for all Indians equally.
Historical Voting Patterns Among Muslims
Rijiju did raise some pertinent questions about historical voting patterns among Muslims in the country, questioned why Muslim votes should head straight to Congress. He challengers the notion and proceeded to question the practice of treating Muslims as a vote bank and warned Congress that it would lead them to further exploitation. “This time we will ensure that minority votes don’t go to Congress,” he asserted, declaring BJP’s intent to reach out to the community with a clear message of inclusivity and support.
Paying tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution, Rijiju on his visit to Chaityabhoomi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial in Mumbai remembered his exhilarating moment spent exchanging colloquy with monks and community members who share the teachings of Buddha for further compassion, peace, and enlightenment.
Combating Misinformation and Promoting Clarity
Rijiju also spoke about the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, saying that, in fact, there are several recommendations to be considered by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. He charged some people with spreading misinformation about the Bill and appealed for a clearer understanding of it and what entails.
Rijiju’s words highlight what would increasingly appear to be the strategy of the BJP-promoting themselves as a pro-minority party and trying to change the rhetoric about minority rights and welfare. Just how these statements will resonate with voters in the coming weeks and months is yet to be seen, but given the altered nature of the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, it is quite possible that the statements could have as big or bigger an impact on minority community voters.