Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of aid to 3.2 million impoverished Muslim families on Eid has ignited Bihar's political landscape. The BJP hails the scheme as "Sougat-e-Modi," while opposition parties decry it as an election gimmick.
Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a special Eid gift for India's Muslim population, termed "Sougat-e-Modi." This initiative will provide 3.2 million impoverished Muslim families with various forms of financial and social assistance. PM Modi's announcement has sparked intense political activity, with opposition parties raising questions about the initiative.
RJD and CPI(ML) Counterattack
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) criticized the BJP, calling the announcement a mere election stunt. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra stated, "Such announcements just before elections are solely aimed at appeasing Muslims. The BJP's real agenda is to divide people along religious lines. This is their old tactic to gain electoral advantage."
CPI(ML) MLA Mahboob Alam also questioned PM Modi's announcement, saying, "If the government were truly serious about Muslim development, it would take concrete steps to end mob lynching and hate politics. These schemes are nothing but a façade. By talking about financial aid to Muslims, the government is attempting to distract from real issues."
BJP Defends, Cites 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'
Responding to opposition criticism, BJP MLA Lakhindra Paswan stated, "Prime Minister Modi works for all citizens. The Sougat-e-Modi scheme isn't for a single religion but for the impoverished who have been deprived of government schemes. The opposition can't digest that the Modi government is working on the policy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' (Together with all, Development for all, Trust for all)."
He further added that the BJP has always promoted social harmony. "This scheme is not religious politics, but a crucial step towards the welfare of the poor," he added.
What is the 'Sougat-e-Modi' Scheme?
Under the 'Sougat-e-Modi' scheme, the central government plans to provide financial assistance to 3.2 million impoverished Muslim families and support renovation work in 3,000 mosques. The government claims the scheme aims to mainstream the Muslim community and accelerate its socio-economic development.
With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaching, the BJP's announcement of this scheme on Eid is not considered a mere coincidence. The opposition alleges that the BJP is attempting to garner the Muslim vote bank. However, the BJP claims the scheme is for the welfare of the poor in the minority community and has nothing to do with the elections.
