This year, iftar parties lose their political sheen

Often seen as an exercise by politicians to build bridges with the Muslim community, the number of iftar parties have nearly halved this time, compared to the previous years. Political representatives of the community believe there is a conscious effort among a section of Muslims to put an end to Iftar politics.

“There is feeling that the sanctity of the Iftar is lost when it turns into a party,” said Maulana Zaheer Abbas, secretary of the Muslim Personal Law Board. He added: “For Muslims, breaking roza (the day-long fast) has a special sanctity. It is a very pious occasion. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the ambience goes missing during the parties.’’

Many have started feeling that Iftar should not be used as a vehicle for politicians to consolidate their vote banks. A senior cabinet minister of the Congress admits to the politicisation of the Iftar parties.

“Occasions like Iftar and Id-Milan are seen as an easy way to connect with the Muslims, who constitute 16-18% of voters in Maharashtra,” he said, adding such goodwill gestures help top politicians cover up their failure to implement welfare schemes for the minorities.

Of course, there are those who don’t see any political games involved in such parties. Minorities minister Naseem Khan said, “We should not always ascribe political motive to Iftar parties. The chief minister has been hosting the party with a great sense of participation regularly.”

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar held an Iftar party at Qaisar Baig in Dongri a couple of days ago. The BJP held it at the Haj House soon after. Ashok Chavan is planning to host one in the first week of September.

Rizwan Khan, general secretary of the Mumbai Youth Congress, said, “Whether elections or not, the prime minister, the chief minister and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi hold Iftar parties every year. But it is true that in election years the numbers of Iftar parties multiply.” Ahead of the municipal corporation elections in 2012, expect leaders to host such parties in every gulli and mohalla, he added.

A senior media person from an Urdu daily said, “In the evenings when we are about to break the fast, it is considered a very ‘nazuk’ (pious) moment. It is said that prayers offered at that time sincerely are always accepted by Allah. But we see leaders busy exchanging ‘topis’ instead of offering prayers at the time.”