Ladies’ suit fabric, sevaiyan, milk-sugar, dry fruits—these are some of the items packed into the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ (gift from Modi) kits. The party aims to reach 32 lakh underprivileged Muslim families with special gifts ahead of Eid, with this 'gift' campaign.
Initiative BJP’s Minority Morcha
Under the 'Saugat-e-Modi' campaign, the BJP’s minority wing (Alpsankhyak Morcha) is has partnered with mosques nationwide to distribute these kits, each priced between ₹500-600. The campaign will be executed by 32,000 party workers, who will personally deliver the gift kits to Muslim families.
Bihar elections and minority outreach
Promoted under the slogan "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with All, Development for All), the initiative also plans to extend to Sikhs and Christians for Baisakhi and Easter. Yet, with Bihar elections approaching, its timing has stirred controversy.
The campaign’s launch comes as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including allies like Janata Dal (United), gears up to retain power in Bihar, a state with a significant Muslim population of around 17%.
A Strategic outreach?
Some political analysts view this as a strategic outreach to improve BJP’s perception among minorities. The latter has faced backlash from Muslim organisations in Bihar, some of whom boycotted an Iftaar event hosted by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over perceived anti-minority stances.
What Opposition said?
Opposition leaders have questioned the BJP's intent behind the move. BSP chief Mayawati has called it a “political gimmick,” arguing that permanent solutions like jobs and poverty alleviation would better serve minorities than “token gifts.”
Samajwadi Party’s Kirti Azad echoed this, hinting at a “hidden agenda” tied to electoral gains. Conversely, BJP’s Minority Morcha chief Jamal Siddiqui defended it as a genuine effort to share festive joy, dismissing poll-related accusations.
Funded through party donations, the campaign highlights BJP’s balancing act—courting minority community during the festive season.
