Introduction

The Indian Shia community under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has experienced a significant shift compared to other Muslim-majority nations, particularly Pakistan. While the Shia community forms a crucial segment of India's religious demographic, their support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is multifaceted and rooted in a complex history that involves political and communal dynamics.

Safety and Prosperity Under Modi

Shia Muslims and other Islamic sects in India, such as the Ahmadiyyas, have reported a greater sense of security and prosperity during Narendra Modi's tenure as Prime Minister. This is in stark contrast to their experiences in countries like Pakistan, where the Shia community has faced far more significant challenges both politically and socially. The level of communal harmony and governmental support under the BJP's leadership has contributed to the favorable atmosphere for the Shia community.

Communal Politics and Political Alliances

The BJP uses a savvy communal political strategy to garner support from various religious groups. One of the key factors is the strategic positioning of the Shia community against the Sunni-majority. This has been evident in disputes such as the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhumi controversy, where the BJP has leveraged the Shia community's perception of loyalty to India over other Islamic nations. This political maneuvering has been successful in garnering support from the Shia community, who often emphasize their Indian identity rather than their religious affiliations with other Muslim-majority countries.

Historical Context and Sectarian Dynamics

The Shia community in India, predominantly residing in states like Gujarat, Lucknow, Karnataka, and Hyderabad, has a rich and nuanced history. Historically, the Mughal Empire, which was highly Persianized, has significant ties to Shia Islam. Several key figures from the Mughal era were Shia, including notable emperors like Akbar's mother and Shah Jahan's wife, who were from Iran's noble families. However, it is also important to note that while some Shia historical figures were involved in destabilizing the Mughal Empire, the overall relationship between Shias and the Mughal rulers was complex.

In modern times, the Shia community in India is not monolithic. There are two broad categories of Shias: Orthodox religious Shias and liberal secular Shias. The former often support those who oppose Muslims in general, while the latter tend to be more akin to secular Indians. It is interesting to note that notable historical figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who is often associated with Pakistan, were Shias. The BJP's ideology, which has historical ties to Nazism and Fascism, has influenced its approach towards various communities, including Shias, making their support complex but significant.

Closer Ties with Hindus and Parsis

In terms of social and cultural ties, Shias in India have closer bonds with Hindus and Parsis compared to traditional Muslim communities. These connections have played a significant role in shaping the communal harmony within India. The liberal secular Shias, who are more aligned with moderate secular ideologies, support Modi's policies and have shown a marked preference for the BJP over other political parties.

Conclusion

The support among the Indian Shia community for the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a multifaceted phenomenon that is influenced by historical, political, and social factors. While the Mughal legacy and historical connections provide a context for understanding the relationship, the contemporary significance lies in the strategic political maneuvering and the emphasis on national identity over religious boundaries.

For the Indian Shia community, the relative safety, prosperity, and the strategic alignment with national interests under the BJP's leadership have been key drivers of their support. This support is not uniform across all Shias, as there are differences between conservative and liberal sects. Nonetheless, the overall trend indicates a growing affinity with the BJP and its leadership.