Reach out to migrant Muslims: Narendra Modi to BJP leaders

GUWAHATI: The Assam BJP has ‘softened’ its stand on minorities, including Miyas or migrant Muslims, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week called upon party leaders to reach out to the minorities without expecting their votes.
State BJP president Bhabesh Kalita told media persons here on Saturday that the saffron party will work towards fulfilling the PM’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas’ and maintain good relations with minorities.
When asked whether the BJP would also reach out to the Miyas (migrant Muslims), against whom chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and scores of BJP leaders have been most vocal for allegedly threating the culture and existence of the indigenous communities, Kalita said his party would develop a network of communication with all minority communities.
“We have to develop a network with all minority communities (including Miyas) which the Prime Minister wants. The BJP will not compromise on vikas (development). We will approach them whether they vote for us or not. They will obviously not vote for us but we will maintain the relationship,” Kalita said.
“Without their (Miyas) votes, the BJP and its allies can win 12 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats next year from Assam,” he said.
He added that the indigenous minority communities have been voting for the BJP in the state but migrant Muslims have not.
He said development should take place all around, including in minority areas. “The BJP does not believe in appeasement policy. We want to keep the minorities with us in our journey of development,” Kalita added. He also negated the allegation that the BJP will benefit across the country after the Prime Minister’s call.