The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: While inaugurating the Mumbai campus of the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy on Friday (February 10), Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the gathering of Dawoodi Bohra Muslims that he was not there in his official capacity but “as family”.
“Coming to you all feels like coming to a family. I saw your video today. I have a complaint. You repeatedly said the prime minister or chief minister. I am your family member, I am neither a prime minister here nor a chief minister. I consider myself fortunate that I have something that few have. I have been connected to this family for four generations. All four generations have visited my home,” Modi said, according to Hindustan Times.
The community, he continued, has always stood for “development”. “Today, the opening of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah is a symbol of development with the changing times. The Dawoodi Bohra community has continually progressed with time. When there is good intent behind aspirations, the results will always be positive. Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah is an example of this,” the prime minister said.
“When I go somewhere not only in the country but also abroad, my Bohra brothers and sisters definitely come to meet me,” Modi continued, stressing on his relationship with the community. “When I was chief minister of Gujarat, I worked closely with the community in fighting malnutrition and water crisis.”
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohras, presided over the event. Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present.
“India has been our home for centuries, and we are at peace here,” the spiritual leader said during his speech at the event, according to The Hindu.
A BJP leader told the Hindustan Times that Modi’s visit and words were a message for the community before the general elections next year. “The next parliamentary elections are crucial for us, and an inclusive approach is vital for victory,” he said. “The Bohra community is an influential one, hence the gesture.”