“After inflicting wounds...": Nakhoda mosque's Imam critisizes 'Saugat-E-Modi' move

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest outreach initiative, ‘Saugat-e-Modi,’ has sparked mixed reactions from the Muslim community. The program, launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Eid, aims to provide festive kits to 38 lakh underprivileged Muslims across the country. However, some religious leaders have questioned the intent behind the move.

Imam Maulana Mohammad Safiq Qasmi of Nakhoda Mosque in Kolkata welcomed the initiative but criticized Modi’s approach. “After inflicting wounds, he is now trying to heal them. The Prime Minister should work for every community, not just one,” he said. His remarks reflect concerns among sections of the community regarding the government's policies towards Muslims.

The BJP’s Minority Morcha national president, Jamal Siddiqui, launched the program on Tuesday in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area under the guidance of BJP chief JP Nadda. According to reports, the outreach is also seen as a political move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections later this year.

Under this initiative, 32 lakh Muslim families will receive Eid kits containing food items, dry fruits, sugar, dates, and clothes. Women’s kits include fabric for suits, while men’s kits feature kurta-pyjamas. The cost of each kit is estimated to be between ₹500 and ₹600.

Siddiqui stated that the program will not be limited to Muslims. He assured that similar gift kits will be distributed among economically weaker sections of other minority communities during their respective festivals next month. He also highlighted Modi’s participation in various religious events, including Christmas, Easter, Baisakhi, and offerings at Nizamuddin Dargah and Ajmer Sharif.

The ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ campaign is being seen as an attempt to strengthen the BJP’s outreach to minority communities, particularly before upcoming elections. While the initiative has been appreciated by some, others argue that long-term inclusive policies would be a more meaningful way to build trust.