In a surprising turn of events, the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India has garnered support from a faction of Shiite Muslims, a minority group that has traditionally faced persecution from Sunni Muslims. Despite accusations of hostility towards Muslims, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party seem to be making inroads with the Shiite community, particularly in the northern Indian city of Lucknow.

Lucknow, known as the center of Shiite faith and culture in South Asia, has seen an unexpected show of support for the BJP from some of its Shiite residents. While the majority of Indian Muslims typically vote against the BJP, which comprises about a seventh of the country's population, this minority group of approximately 25 million Shiite Muslims is breaking the trend.

The BJP's appeal to Shiite Muslims can be attributed to the lifting of a 20-year ban on the Azadari, a ritual procession in which Shiites mourn the seventh-century killing of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The ban was enforced in the late 1970s after clashes between Shiites and Sunnis, a period dominated by the Indian Congress Party. However, the processions only resumed in the late 1990s under a BJP coalition government.

Prominent Shiite clerics and community members credit the BJP with allowing them to practice their faith without fear and recognize the party's role in restoring their religious freedom. The BJP's efforts have been appreciated by Shiite businessmen like Aslam Abbas, who thank the party for supporting their community in Lucknow.

However, it must be noted that while some Shiite Muslims are backing the BJP, the support is not universal. Many other Shiites, like medical student Samad, remain critical of the party, viewing it as anti-Muslim. The sentiment against the BJP has grown over the past decade, especially after the government's recent announcement of implementing a citizenship law that fast-tracks citizenship for certain immigrants but excludes Muslim migrants.

Despite not necessarily needing Shiite votes due to its strong support among Hindus, the BJP seems inclined to court the Shiite community, alongside other minority groups such as Muslim women and impoverished Muslims. Analysts suggest that the BJP's engagement with Shiites and other Muslim factions serves as propaganda, signaling to critics both locally and internationally that the party does not hold a hostile stance towards the Muslim community.

As the country gears up for the upcoming elections, the BJP's minority affairs leader, Jamal Siddiqui, reassures Shiites that they are safe with the party and that it welcomes all Indians. Nonetheless, while some individuals like Wahid Hussain express concern over the BJP's broader stance on Muslims, they prioritize the party's support in restoring their religious traditions over other concerns.

Ultimately, the support of Shiite Muslims for the BJP highlights the complex dynamics of religion and politics in India. It underscores the efforts made by the ruling party to project inclusivity while simultaneously addressing the deep-rooted historical grievances of minority communities. Only time will tell how these dynamics will play out as the country heads into election season.