–Pervez Bari
Bhopal, April 16: The Dawoodi Bohra community here has been shaken by recent events where a faction within the community voiced support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an Eid Milan gathering at the Aliganj Community Centre. Pro-Modi slogans like ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ and ‘Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai’ were chanted, with attendees also displaying placards endorsing PM Modi.
The enthusiasm for PM Modi was reportedly in solidarity with BJP Lok Sabha candidate Alok Sharma from Bhopal, who attended the event and distributed placards among the participants. Sharma interpreted the slogans as a reflection of the community’s approval of Modi’s economic policies, citing the Dawoodi Bohra’s vocal support.
However, this display of support for BJP has polarized the Dawoodi Bohra community, leading to a split into opposing camps. Some members gathered at Hyderi Masjid to denounce the slogans, clarifying that the event took place at the Jamaat Khana (community hall) and not at the masjid as misconstrued on social media.
The group opposing the pro-Modi slogans has expressed dismay towards Johar Ali, the Bhopal Aamil (Dawoodi Bohra’s Religious Head), who presided over the Eid Milan gathering. They have escalated their concerns by lodging a complaint with the Supreme leader Syedna in Mumbai. Consequently, the headquarters has summoned Ali to clarify the incident, causing significant debate and unrest within the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Shaikh Murtaza, the public relations officer for the Dawoodi Bohra community, has also emphasized that the Eid Milan program was hosted at the Jamaat Khana, not at any mosque, to rectify any misperceptions.
It’s notable that the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, known for its economic influence within the Muslim population, has historically supported PM Modi due to shared interests, particularly in business circles.
