Despite efforts to garner support, the BJP’s anti-Muslim policies raise concerns among the community
Team Clarion
AYODHYA – As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensifies its campaign for the Milkipur by-election in Uttar Pradesh, its sudden focus on Muslim voters has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the party’s sincerity. The BJP, which has long been accused of pursuing policies that marginalise Muslims, is now attempting to gain their support by appointing Minority Welfare Minister Danish Ansari to lead outreach efforts in Muslim-majority villages.
In Milkipur, a constituency with approximately 33,000 Muslim voters, the BJP’s latest move is seen as a calculated attempt to expand its base ahead of the election. The party’s strategy, however, is being met with scepticism, especially considering its track record of actions that have been perceived as discriminatory toward Muslims.
Sanjeev Singh, the BJP district President, claimed on Friday that Muslims are supportive of the BJP, saying, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas is not just a slogan but a certificate.” However, this statement rings hollow for many in the Muslim community who have faced the brunt of the party’s divisive policies, from controversial laws to its rhetoric on national security and religious identity.
India TV spoke to Muslim voters in Milkipur’s Paratajpur village to gauge their sentiments, and the responses were revealing. Many Muslim voters expressed frustration with the government’s failure to address their concerns. Some highlighted their struggles with issues such as stray animals destroying crops, while others pointed to personal grievances that have remained unresolved under the current administration.
The BJP’s efforts in Milkipur are seen by some as a desperate bid to win over a community that has increasingly felt sidelined under the party’s rule. The party’s long history of promoting Hindu-centric policies, from the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to targeting their places of worship, has alienated large sections of the Muslim population. As a result, many remain wary of BJP’s newfound focus on Muslim voters, viewing it as nothing more than an election tactic rather than a genuine concern for their welfare.
While Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on the by-election’s importance may energise his supporters, they do little to alleviate the concerns of Muslims who have felt increasingly marginalised. “The message of this by-election will resonate far and wide, and it must be transformed into the message of Ayodhya Dham,” Adityanath declared, further underlining his party’s religious agenda and intentions.
The BJP may be hoping that victories in Muslim-dominated constituencies like Kundarki and Katehari will inspire further success in Milkipur. However, for many in the Muslim community, these victories have done little to allay their fears about the party’s divisive agenda.
As voting approaches on February 5, the Milkipur by-election remains a critical test for the BJP. Yet, for many Muslims in the constituency, the party’s recent outreach feels like an empty gesture, unlikely to bridge the growing divide between the BJP and the community.
