The Pulse

How, and Why, the BJP Sometimes Courts Muslim Voters

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The Pulse | Politics | South Asia

How, and Why, the BJP Sometimes Courts Muslim Voters

Despite its Hindutva ideology, in some states and some elections the BJP courts Muslim voters.

How, and Why, the BJP Sometimes Courts Muslim Voters
Credit: Depositphotos

In the ever evolving Indian electoral battlefield, the elusive Muslim vote continues to be a hot topic of discussion. As crucial states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh go to polls at the local or regional level, all political parties in the fray are trying to garner popular support to win the elections. In this electoral logjam, the Muslim vote has often remained a prized electoral reward over the years.

While the Muslim vote has traditionally remained with the Indian National Congress (INC), recent election seasons have revealed the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP)’s clandestine approach to garner the Muslim vote. In fact, contrary to existing perceptions, the BJP does not undervalue the Muslim vote and have been consistently keen to acquire it. However, the difference lies in its approach and its tacit machinations in acquiring Muslim votes — as the party adopts a clandestine, ad hoc approach to win the support of Muslims and its electoral strategy in doing so differs state-to-state depending on what favors the leadership of the time. On the question of Muslims, the party chooses to control the narrative on the ground to suit its state leadership and, of course, its electoral prospects. 

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