India’s Political Iftars: Once Symbols of Unity, Now Viewed as Corrupt Stunts?

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India’s Political Iftars: Once Symbols of Unity, Now Viewed as Corrupt Stunts?

New Delhi, India — Political iftars have long been a tradition in India, originally emerging as a symbol of unity and secularism. However, their evolution has sparked intense debate over the years. What began as an effort to foster peace and bridge communal divides now raises questions about their true intent—are they still a meaningful gesture, or have they become mere political stunts to court votes from Muslim communities?

The Origins of Political Iftars in India

The story of India’s political iftars dates back to 1974, during Ramadan, in Lucknow, a city known for its Shia Muslim population. At a time of rising communal tensions, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, invited Shia leader Ashraf Hussain to break his fast at the Chief Minister’s residence. This simple gesture of hospitality led to a successful truce between warring Muslim factions in the region. Bahuguna’s iftars became an annual tradition and marked the beginning of a political trend that would shape India’s political landscape for decades.

A Symbol of Secularism and Unity?

On one hand, political iftars were seen as a reflection of India’s secular identity. Hosting Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan by non-Muslim political leaders was viewed as a demonstration of inclusiveness. As sociologist Shiv Visvanathan puts it, "Iftar reflected a certain notion of plurality, an idea of celebrating differences in commonality."

These gatherings were meant to create a platform for unity and demonstrate respect for religious diversity in India. However, as the tradition grew, political analysts began questioning the true purpose behind these events.

The Shift Towards Political Opportunism

By the mid-1970s, Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, adopted a similar approach to Bahuguna’s iftar tradition. Seeking to regain Muslim support after her controversial handling of the National Emergency (1975-77), Gandhi hosted carefully curated iftar parties in an effort to reconnect with the Muslim community. While the events were pitched as gestures of inclusivity, experts argue that they were, in fact, strategic moves to garner political favor.

Political analyst Rasheed Kidwai argues that these iftars were never truly about serving the community but were instead a "religious outreach programme" designed to appeal to Muslim elites. The invitation lists, he notes, were often handpicked, excluding ordinary Muslims from these high-profile events.

The Political Iftar Under Different Governments

After Indira Gandhi’s loss in the 1977 elections, political iftars became a regular feature for leaders across India. Chandra Shekhar, leader of the Janata Party, hosted iftar parties in Delhi that were attended by prominent figures from politics, bureaucracy, and the Muslim community. Over the years, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh also started holding their own iftars.

Though these gatherings continued to serve as displays of political strength, they were also increasingly criticized for being “theatrical”—symbolic gestures that didn’t address the deeper issues facing the Muslim community in India.

The Corruption of Political Iftars

By the 1990s, after the Babri Masjid demolition and the rise of Hindu nationalism, political iftars became more problematic. Analysts argue that these events became a cheap alternative to addressing the real concerns of Muslims, such as economic disparity, discrimination, and religious violence. Asim Ali, a political analyst, describes them as a “theatricalisation of politics,” where politicians would host iftar parties to project an image of inclusion without truly addressing the community’s needs.

The Decline of Political Iftars in the Modi Era

In recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have largely avoided the tradition of hosting iftar parties, reflecting the party’s shift towards Hindu-majoritarian politics. Modi has never hosted or attended an iftar, and many of his cabinet ministers followed suit.

Under President Ram Nath Kovind, the practice of hosting iftars at Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official presidential residence) was also discontinued, as the government decided not to hold religious observances at taxpayer expense.

In contrast, the Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, continued the tradition of hosting iftars until 2018, though their significance waned as political narratives in India shifted away from inclusivity and secularism towards a more polarized, majoritarian approach.

The Changing Nature of Political Iftars

The decline of political iftars coincides with the rise of Hindu nationalism as the dominant political force in India. Sociologist Shiv Visvanathan argues that political iftars once symbolized a "joy of difference" and a celebration of India's diversity. However, with the current political climate dominated by majoritarianism, the space for such inclusive gestures has diminished.

Today, iftars are increasingly seen as a relic of a bygone era—an era when political leaders from all sides worked to maintain India’s secular fabric. Hilal Ahmed, a political scientist, argues that these events are no longer about celebrating religious plurality but have become "performative acts" that highlight the “loss of difference” in contemporary Indian politics.

Are Political Iftars Worth Reviving?

While iftar parties may no longer have the same political weight they once did, they remain a symbol of India's complex political history. The shift in their meaning—from a genuine outreach to the Muslim community to a political tool—reflects broader changes in the nation’s political landscape. As India grapples with the challenges of religious polarization and communal violence, the role of such practices in bridging divides remains a topic of intense debate.

Conclusion

Political iftars in India have come a long way since their inception in 1974. What began as a means of fostering peace and unity has, over time, evolved into a practice that some view as a political stunt aimed at gaining electoral advantage. Whether or not they will return to their original purpose or continue to serve as a platform for political maneuvering remains uncertain. As India continues to navigate its identity, the future of political iftars may depend on how its political leaders choose to engage with the nation’s diverse communities.