Building bridges between BJP and Muslims on RSS agenda

MRM will focus on issues faced by Muslim youth in the country

The top brass of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has directed its Muslim body — Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) — to bridge the gap between the BJP and Muslims in the country. 

The MRM has been asked to initiate a dialogue to clear misconceptions about the RSS among Muslims. 

Sources said that senior RSS ideologue, Indresh  Kumar, and senior MRM leader, Salawat Khan, have already submitted a list of nationwide programmes to the RSS leadership.

According to senior leaders, this is a first-of-its-kind initiative to bring Muslims under the umbrella of the RSS, especially after the increase of Muslim votes in favour of the BJP. It is understood that this step will yield results after a few years. 

Officials of the MRM in Rajasthan said their main focus would be to reach out to the Muslim youth and address issues like development, education, hygiene and nationalism — which the Congress has never done. The strategy will be adopted in all states across the country.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that he is the leader of all 125 crore Indians, and not of any particular community. Muslims too understand what the Congress has done for them over the last 60 years. 

Ultimately, development, education and prosperity are what matter for any community,” said Khan, national office-bearer of the MRM.

Recommendations have already been sent to the Rajasthan government, Madrassa Board and community leaders to modernise 10 to 20 madrassas, which could then be presented as a model for the country.  

“Our mission also includes reaching out through social media like Facebook, Twitter and blogs targeting youngsters. On social media, specific pages have been allocated to inviting questions from Muslims and urging them to participate in meetings,” said Khan.

 The top leadership of the BJP has realised that for a repeat performance in the next Lok Sabha elections, it will need the backing of all communities, particularly Muslims. 

The minority cell and other organisations of the BJP have also been asked to extend complete support to the MRM in achieving this objective. 

Besides, the Union and state governments are expected to announce more schemes related to development and education of the community.