Though the Bharatiya Janata Party and its Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have created history by returning to power for the third consecutive time in the State, but despite the unprecedented success, the party and Chouhan have not deviated from their aim and are still working to further consolidate their position.
After making inroads in its arch political rival Congress’ traditional vote bank of Muslims, the enthusiastic saffron party is now eyeing Muslim leaders of the Congress. About half a dozen Muslim leaders of the State have been approached by the BJP during the electioneering in last month with lucrative proposals.
Though nothing substantial came out at that point of time as the parleys with the Muslim Congress leaders were done when the assembly election process was at its peak and the leaders of both the party’s were busy in that.
BJP State President (Minority Cell) Hidayatullah Sheikh while talking to The Pioneer over the issue said, “I was deputed to hold discussions to rope in a Muslim woman leader of Congress during the assembly election but as the time was short, she was negotiating her joining and thus, the party leadership shelved the proposal.”
Sheikh further said that this leader is a state office bearer of the Congress and was asking for the similar post as condition for her joining the BJP.
One more senior Muslim leader of the State holding important office of state level was approached by the BJP but the saffron party failed to convince him of his future role in the party.
This leader was offered a post entitled with red beacon and status of cabinet minister after the formation of the new government in the state. Things failed to materialize as this leader wanted everything in writing for that the BJP leadership did not agreed.
A senior Muslim leader of the Congress on condition of anonymity told that he got the offer from the BJP but he is hesitant to switch over only due to Modi factor.
Sources said that besides these two Muslim leaders of the Congress is in touch with many other community leaders and seeing the poor State of Congress in Madhya Pradesh it is expected that some of them might cross sides in the future.
However, it would be interesting to watch as how long it takes and Muslim leaders of what caliber agree to cross over to join the saffron party.