Those who keenly observe Indian politics must be aware of the glamorous Iftar parties hosted by seasoned politicians. With only a few more days to go in the month of Ramadan, the height of minority appeasement by political parties has reached its zenith.
Both the print and electronic media have got their eyes set on who are attending and who are absent from these ostentatious celebrations. Hosting Iftar parties has undoubtedly become a platform for the political parties of India to fancy their chances at forging possible coalitions and other negotiations, which is nothing but a political paradox. Politicians who consider minority voters a healthy vote bank regard this time as a golden opportunity to woo them.
However, the irony of Indian democracy is that minority development has only remained in the sphere of poll promises. That reality has not changed much since independence. The Sachar Committee report remains a true testimony to the dismal condition of the Muslim population of India as far as social, economic and educational conditions are concerned. In reality hosting Iftar parties and clicking pictures with skull caps is mere symbolism to make electoral gains.
In May 2014, when Narendra Modi became the PM with an overwhelming majority in the Lok Sabha elections, he skipped the Iftar parties and also avoided hosting them. The PMO has got a history of hosting Iftar parties every year. Political parties interpreted Modi’s decision as part of a polarized political strategy that gave the ruling BJP a huge mileage in the elections. Modi, in exchange, criticized rival Congress leaders for wearing skull caps in order to woo Muslim voters. Like last year, the Prime Minister is not likely to attend the Iftar bash this year either, even though it is organized by none other than President Pranab Mukherjee.
Iftar party, in the political domain, is part of a larger political game and who knows it better than Sonia Gandhi herself. Although she invited all her UPA allies barring TMC, JD, NC and DMK; the advertorials showing Rahul Gandhi chuckling with Omar Abdullah make their intentions quite clear. As far as regional politics is concerned, be it Lalu Prasad Yadav or Mamata Banerjee, none of them are missing their opportunities to ensure that their Iftar parties get prime coverage in mainstream media. Interestingly, Arvind Kejriwal’s Iftar festivity didn’t have a trace of aam admi as all party big shots came in large numbers.
If there is a possibility of launching a new political outfit, Iftar parties can seriously help such prospects. The history of Iftar party and politics dates back to the time of Hemavati Bahuguna, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In the early 80’s as well, Indira Gandhi encouraged the Iftar tradition. Minority politics in India is complicated and thus none of the political parties want to leave any stone unturned. The question is whether hosting an Iftar party is a political compulsion in the Indian political scenario?
The obvious follow up question is whether this overwhelming presence of politicians in iftar parties gets reflected in the election results? The statistical data analysis of last few elections clearly portrays that Indian voters are smart enough with their choices. Although there have been consistent efforts in polarizing voters on religious lines, an average Indian voter is more concerned about regional and national issues and realities.
If the BJP’s decision of not allowing any cabinet minister to attend the Iftar celebration is aimed at avoiding any kind of political appeasement ahead of the assembly elections in many states in coming months, it is indeed a welcome step. On the other hand, if it is directed to salvage a pro-majority brand image, then it is condemnable.
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