Political observers say the party wants to exploit differences between Barelvi and Deobandi Muslims, a major fault line in North India, for its benefit.
The saffron party has announced the decision to field Pasmanda Muslims – who are considered severely disadvantaged – in Uttar Pradesh’s upcoming local body elections.
In light of Prime Minister Modi's supposed 'reach out' to Pasmanda Muslims, the BJP leader says that the Muslim community should 'engage with the party rather than see it as opposed to their interests.'