Call it an image makeover or vote politics, but the BJP in Gujarat has roped in a retired Muslim Additional Director General of Police, A I Saiyad, to campaign for its party candidate in North Gujarat. It is a tactic to win a section of the minority vote.
Saiyad was almost lynched by mobs in Ahmedabad during the 2002 riots. He joined the BJP recently and is now attacking the Congress in a constituency that has a sizeable number of Muslim voters.
"They are wearing Khadi and on top a white cap. They say they are serving humanity but deep inside they are venomous politicians," Saiyad said.
The BJP thinks roping in a Muslim may fetch a section of minority vote.
"Rather than a Pakistani cricketer hit a six and people applaud, it is better our Azharuddin hits sixes and all will applaud. We are not against Muslims," BJP's Gujarat unit president Purushotam Rupala said.
But the party hasn't fielded a single Muslim candidate in Gujarat.
