Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia ur Rehman Barq has criticized the distribution of the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ kit, stating that the gesture would have been more meaningful if all communities were treated equally and Constitutional rights were upheld.
His remarks came following Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement on Muslims’ safety, where the CM asserted that Muslims are safe in the state.
“He is right. Muslims are very safe. In Sambhal, five people were killed, and there are a lot of cases of mob lynching. We don’t deny that Muslims are safe. It’s just that often the religious sentiments of Muslims are hurt, their religious places are targeted. After all this, the Muslims are safe,” Barq stated.
Violence in Sambhal and Concerns Over Constitutional Rights
His statement referenced the November 24 violence in Sambhal, when clashes broke out during a court-ordered survey of a 500-year-old ASI-protected mosque, leading to five deaths.
On the BJP’s ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ campaign, Barq commented:
“We would have been happy if this kit had been distributed when we were treated equally in this country when our Constitutional rights were not taken away.”
Understanding ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ Campaign
The ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ initiative is a campaign by the BJP Minority Morcha, aimed at promoting welfare schemes among the Muslim community and gathering support for BJP and NDA. The campaign is particularly focused on Ramzan and Eid, with outreach to 32 lakh Muslim families and collaboration with 3,000 mosques.
Yasir Zilani, BJP Minority Morcha’s National Media In-charge, explained the initiative’s objective of engaging with the Muslim community through welfare schemes.
Yogi Adityanath on Religious Harmony
Speaking in an media interview, CM Yogi Adityanath assured that people of all religions are safe in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized his commitment to the well-being of all communities, stating:
“If Hindus are safe, then Muslims are also safe in the state.”
Highlighting Hindu tolerance, the CM remarked:
“A Muslim family would feel safe among a hundred Hindu families. But can 50 Hindu families feel safe among a hundred Muslim families?”
His statement has sparked political debate, with opposition leaders questioning the state government’s stance on religious harmony and safety.