Mumbai: Reacting to criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative ‘Saugat-E-Modi’ food kit to 32 lakh poor Muslim families in India as a gift for Ramzan Eid, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasised his party’s commitment to communal harmony in India.
He stated, “The BJP is not against Muslims. Our opposition is against those who, while residing in India, carry Pakistani flags during rallies. We oppose those who burst crackers in celebration after Pakistan’s cricket victories. However, this doesn’t mean that we oppose all Muslims. Hindus and Muslims in Maharashtra share a relationship of unity, and we are working to keep everyone together.”
Bawankule’s remarks were a direct rebuttal to Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray’s criticism of the BJP. He stressed that the BJP strives for communal harmony and peace across all communities.
Earlier, Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on the ‘Saugat-E-Modi’ food kit labeling it not as ‘Saugat-E-Modi’ (Gift of Modi), but as ‘Saugat-E-Satta’ (Gift of Power). He criticised the party’s desperate efforts to retain power, calling it a “shameful example” of political opportunism.
“Those who once said ‘Batenge to Katenge’, are now distributing Saugat-E-Modi,” Thackeray said. He further questioned the BJP’s integrity, asking how their leaders would now visit Muslim households when they had been “cornered during the elections.” Thackeray also demanded clarity from the BJP, asking whether their distribution of food kits would continue after the upcoming Bihar elections.
