New Delhi, Feb 25 (PTI) : Reaching out to Muslims ahead of Lok Sabha elections, BJP on Tuesday asked the community to give it a chance and not go by the "propaganda" spread by Congress while promising to stand for equality and apologise for any "mistake" or shortcoming in the past.
"Please note that whenever, wherever if there has been any mistake and shortcoming on our part, I assure you that we will apologise to you by bowing our heads," said BJP chief Rajnath Singh while addressing a gathering of Muslims in New Delhi.
Singh said BJP was not against Muslims and the community should not go by the propaganda against it. He asked them to vote for BJP this time for the sake of the nation.
"Try us once. We don't come up to your expectations, don't look at us ever again," he said at the event "Modi for PM - Mission 272 - role of Muslims" in New Delhi.
The BJP chief asked the Muslim community not to vote for electing a government but for a strong nation where brotherhood and humanity shall prevail.
* Two big events that hurt BJP
Babri Masjid demolition: On Dec 6, 1992, Hindu activists destroyed 16th century mosque in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to reclaim land known as Ram Janmabhoomi. Stalemate over land continues
2002 Gujarat riots: Of over 1,200 killed, nearly 950 were Muslims. Riots erupted following torching of Sabarmati Express near Godhra, in which 59 passengers —mostly kar sevaks returning from Ayodhya — were killed. Carnage happened under Narendra Modi’s watch as chief minister
* Muslims’ fear of the known
BJP’s non-negotiable approach on Ram temple at Ayodhya Party’s insistence on uniform civil code Hardcore right-wing elements in saffron party
* Mellowing of Modi
In run-up to Lok Sabha polls, BJP’s prime ministerial nominee has increasingly sought to project a more inclusive image
Feb 2013: News agencies reported Modi told European Union envoys the 2002 riots were unfortunate
Oct 2013: He advocated building of toilets first and temples later. This put him at odds with sections of his Hindu nationalist party
Dec 2013: Wrote in his blog he was "shaken to the core" by the "mindless violence" during the 2002 riots