New Delhi/IBNS: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced the appointment of Dr Tariq Mansoor, former Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), as one of its vice presidents, in what is seen as an attempt to expand its engagement with the Pasmanda Muslim communities.

The decision was made public on Saturday, marking a significant step in the party's ongoing efforts to connect with the marginalized sections of the Muslim population, reports NDTV.

Dr. Mansoor's tenure as the head of AMU earned him recognition for steering the university towards a "middle path" during the anti-National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, which found resonance in various educational institutions across the country.

He collaborated closely with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on a project aimed at promoting the teachings of Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, emphasizing peaceful coexistence between Hindus and Muslims, in contrast to the approach of his brother, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

The appointment coincided with Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, where he unveiled a book honoring former President APJ Abdul Kalam, an iconic figure in the BJP's Pasmanda outreach program.

The party has consistently focused on engaging with Pasmanda Muslims, who hail from Dalit and other backward class communities, through its Minority Morcha meetings.

Dr. Tariq Mansoor's selection as the fourth Muslim representative in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council reflects the BJP's intentions to expand its influence in regions with substantial Muslim electorates.

Uttar Pradesh, with Muslims constituting approximately 19% of the state's electorate, plays a crucial role in deciding outcomes in around 15 to 20 Lok Sabha seats.

His work on the Dara Shikoh project, utilizing AMU's Persian department to translate and promote Shikoh's inter-faith dialogue, garnered praise from the RSS leadership.

By organizing seminars and conferences on the subject, he impressed the sangh's members and contributed to a positive image of Dara Shikoh as an ideal figure within the Muslim community.

Mansoor's association with AMU dates back to the 1970s when he pursued his MBBS and Master of Surgery (MS) degrees in surgery from JN Medical College. Apart from the BJP's emphasis on Pasmanda Muslims, the RSS has been actively engaging with Muslim academics and professionals in fields like medicine, law, and bureaucracy to influence the discourse within the minority community.

Jamal Siddiqui, head of BJP's Minority Morcha, described Dr. Tariq Mansoor as a "nationalist Muslim" who prioritizes the nation's interests and possesses an in-depth understanding of fault lines within the Muslim community. Siddiqui believes that his appointment will facilitate the party's expansion, stated NDTV.

Despite accolades, Dr. Mansoor faced criticism during his tenure as AMU Vice-Chancellor for allegedly not supporting students during the CAA and NRC protests in 2020. In contrast, the VC of Jamia Millia Islamia received appreciation for standing by the students. However, Dr. Mansoor maintained that he did his best and advocated for welfare and socio-economic justice over identity-based issues.

The BJP's focus on engaging with Pasmanda Muslims has sparked reactions from Muslim intellectuals and opposition parties, who view it as an attempt to create divisions within the community.

Critics argue that Pasmanda Muslims themselves often fall victim to hate crimes and economic boycotts, highlighting the complexities of caste-based stratification within Indian Muslims.

As Dr. Tariq Mansoor takes on his role as BJP vice president, the party gears up for a massive Sneh Yatra to further reach out to Pasmanda Muslims in the days to come.