New Delhi, India – In the month of Ramadan in 1974, the city of Lucknow was tense. Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, the new chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, faced rising Shia-Sunni clashes in a region known for its Shia community. This was a time meant for peace and reflection, yet violence was brewing.
To address the unrest, Bahuguna invited Shia leader Ashraf Hussain for a meeting. Hussain declined, citing his fast. In a gesture of goodwill, Bahuguna offered to host Hussain for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. Hussain accepted, and they enjoyed a meal featuring local delicacies like biryani and kebabs. The meeting led to successful truce talks.
This initiative marked the beginning of a tradition in Indian politics. Bahuguna’s iftars became an annual event, with guest lists growing each year. Political analysts noted that Bahuguna built strong ties with the Muslim community by acting decisively against anti-Muslim violence.
Over the years, political iftars have evolved into significant events on the political calendar. They serve as platforms for leaders to connect with influential Muslims and showcase their commitment to secularism. Sociologist Shiv Visvanathan described these gatherings as a celebration of diversity, where leaders from different backgrounds come together.
However, not everyone views these events positively. Critics argue that political iftars often serve the interests of the politicians rather than the community. Rasheed Kidwai, a political analyst, pointed out that these gatherings were not initiated by Muslims themselves but were created by non-Muslim leaders as a form of outreach.
Indira Gandhi, who was Prime Minister in the mid-1970s, recognized the importance of Muslim voters. After a tumultuous period marked by a national emergency and strained relations with the community, she began hosting iftars to regain their support. Despite her efforts, she lost the 1977 elections, indicating that such gestures alone could not secure loyalty.
The tradition continued with various leaders, including Chandra Shekhar, who organized iftars in Delhi during his time. These events often reflected political allegiances and were closely watched by the public. However, the nature of these gatherings changed over time, with some becoming extravagant affairs that excluded the average Muslim.
Today, political iftars are less common, especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has not hosted or attended any since taking office in 2014. His administration’s focus on Hindu nationalism has led to a decline in such inclusive events, marking a shift in the political landscape of India.
As the political climate evolves, the significance of iftars remains a topic of debate. While they once represented a bridge between communities, many now see them as symbols of a growing divide. The joy of diversity that these gatherings once celebrated seems to be fading, reflecting broader changes in Indian society.