Why Do Indian Muslim Women Still Disapprove of BJP Despite BJP's Efforts to Uplift Them?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India's most prominent right-wing political party, assumed power with the promise to uplift the socio-economic status of all sections of the society, particularly Indian Muslim women. One such effort was the Triple Talaq Bill, aimed at abolishing the practice of instantaneous divorce among Muslim women. However, despite these efforts, questions remain as to why many Muslim women continue to resist the BJP.

Why People Vote in India

It is essential to understand the Indian political landscape. Unlike in many countries, where people primarily vote for a party due to its ideology or track record, in India, voters often prioritize the candidate over the party. This tendency sometimes allows candidates from different parties to win in regions traditionally dominated by their own parties. Narayan Rane serves as a prime example of this phenomenon.

The Folly of the Triple Talaq Bill

The BJP's push for the Triple Talaq Bill was part of its election manifesto and aimed at ending this discriminatory practice. However, the Bill's implementation was not politically beneficial for the BJP. The reason is rooted in the emotional nature of Indian voters. Unless an issue is fresh on the minds of voters, it tends to lose its relevance by the time of the election. As the Triple Talaq Bill’s implementation did not occur during a significant election period, it failed to garner much political support for the BJP.

Impact on Muslim Women

The Bill did not make a significant difference in the lives of Muslim women. The practice of Triple Talaq was often a norm in most Muslim countries before the Bill was passed. Despite this, the government's efforts to amend the Bill twice were met with little success. One of the main mistakes was failing to consult Muslim scholars in the legislation process. This oversight led to further alienation of Muslim women, who were already in a disadvantaged position.

Mixed Issues and Misunderstandings

It is important to separate the issue of Triple Talaq from the broader issues driving Muslim opposition to the BJP. The reasons for this opposition are multifaceted and not solely due to the Bill. The elected government claims that Muslims in states like Gujarat tend to align more with the BJP than any other party. However, this should not be taken to mean that all Indian Muslims oppose the BJP. In fact, a significant portion supports the party's policies, especially when they are seen as beneficial for society as a whole.

The Role of Media and Leadership

Much of the discourse surrounding the BJP and Muslim opposition is influenced by the Indian media. Media reports often sensationalize and exaggerate contradictions, which can mislead the public. For instance, while some sections of media projected that Uttar Pradesh (UP) was against Modi due to demonetization, the region actually gave a clear mandate to the BJP. Similarly, some Muslim leaders lost their personal charisma after the entry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi into politics. They now strive to claim that they are the true representatives of Muslims.

A Sidelined Conclusion

Despite these leaders' claims, after demonetization, the masses appreciated the decision, including Muslims. There has been no significant opposition from Muslim leaders to the Triple Talaq Bill through physical protests or public banners, casting a shadow on some leaders' claims. Thus, it is inaccurate to generalize that all Indian Muslims oppose Modi or the BJP. Some misperceptions and media manipulations are at play here.

Final Thoughts

Triple Talaq is a step towards eliminating a discriminatory practice, but it needs a more holistic approach. The upliftment of Indian Muslim women requires ongoing efforts from both the government and civil society. The BJP's actions, while well-intentioned, must be scrutinized and improved to truly address the concerns of Muslim women. This requires a better understanding of their cultural and religious sensitivities.