PM Modi’s Visit to Mauritius: Connecting with Bihar’s Voters Ahead of State Elections

KKN Gurugram Desk | As Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections approach by the end of this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Mauritius has raised eyebrows in the political sphere. During his trip, Modi made an effort to strengthen his ties with the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, particularly those from Bihar. His use of the Bhojpuri language during his speech has been linked to the upcoming elections, as it resonates strongly with the people of Bihar, where the majority speak Bhojpuri.

PM Modi’s Bhojpuri Speech in Mauritius: A Nod to Bihar’s Voters

Prime Minister Modi’s choice to start his speech in Bhojpuri during his visit to Mauritius caught the attention of political analysts, especially in Bihar. His words seemed to have been carefully chosen, keeping in mind the cultural and political significance of the Bhojpuri-speaking population in Bihar. With the state elections looming, this gesture is viewed as an effort to connect with the masses in Bihar, where Bhojpuri is widely spoken.

Mauritius is often referred to as a “mini Bihar” due to its significant population of people with Indian heritage, particularly those from Bihar. In 1834, a large number of people from Bihar were sent to Mauritius as indentured laborers, and their descendants now constitute a major portion of the country’s population. Modi’s attempt to strengthen these connections was reflected in his interactions with Mauritius’s Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, where he gifted him Makhana (fox nuts), a popular crop of Bihar.

Modi’s Visit: A Strategic Move for Bihar Elections

Modi’s visit to Mauritius highlighted several aspects related to Bihar’s culture, language, and food. During the visit, Bihar was mentioned multiple times, signaling the importance of the state in Modi’s political strategy. At Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, women greeted him with traditional Bhojpuri songs, showcasing the cultural bond between the two regions.

One particular song performed by the women, called “Gawai,” is traditionally sung during celebrations like weddings. This song was recognized by UNESCO in 2016 and is an integral part of Bihar’s cultural heritage. The lyrics of the song, which talk about the king’s crown and Krishna’s flute, reflect the cultural essence of Bihar. This was a significant moment for Modi, as it demonstrated his deep connection with the state and its people, even outside India.

Mauritius: A Stronghold for Bihar’s Diaspora

One striking fact about Mauritius is that about 70% of its 1.2 million population is of Indian origin, and over 50% of the population speaks Bhojpuri or understands it. This gives the Bhojpuri language a significant influence not only in India but also among the diaspora. The mention of Bihar, its language, and its culture during Modi’s speech was not only a cultural nod but also a political move aimed at consolidating the support of Bihar’s diaspora in Mauritius, which can play a pivotal role in the elections back home.

The impact of Bhojpuri in Bihar is undeniable. Bhojpuri is spoken in 10 districts in Bihar, which cover 73 assembly seats. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) faced setbacks in Bhojpuri-speaking regions like Buxar, Ara, Sasaram, and Aurangabad, areas that are crucial for the upcoming assembly elections. This has certainly been noted by Modi and the BJP leadership in Bihar.

The Makhana Gift: A Symbolic Gesture Toward Bihar’s Malla Community

Another important moment during Modi’s visit was his gift of Makhana (fox nuts) to Mauritius’s Prime Minister. This seemingly small gesture has far-reaching political implications, especially considering that Makhana is an important product in Bihar, particularly in the Malla (fishermen and boatmen) community. In the 2024 Union Budget, the Modi government announced the formation of a Makhana Board, which is likely an attempt to tap into the votes of the Malla community, a significant voting bloc in Bihar.

NDA’s Strategy for Bihar: Tapping into Cultural Heritage

Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on Bihar’s cultural and historical landmarks is another strategic move aimed at rallying voters. During his speech, Modi also mentioned Nalanda University, a historic institution in Bihar. Last year, Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near Rajgir, an area rich in historical significance. This project is part of the Modi government’s efforts to revive Bihar’s ancient cultural legacy and promote it on the world stage.

In fact, Nalanda University’s revival plays a key role in Modi’s larger strategy to position Bihar as a center for education and cultural development. This, combined with his outreach to Bihar’s diaspora, is designed to resonate with voters ahead of the state elections.

Connecting with the Indian Diaspora: A Global Outreach

Modi’s efforts to connect with the Indian diaspora are not new. Throughout his tenure as Prime Minister, he has worked to engage with Indian communities abroad, particularly in countries like Guyana, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Seychelles. These countries have significant populations of Indian-origin people, especially those with roots in Bihar. Modi’s engagement with these communities helps reinforce his image as a leader who values the contributions of the Indian diaspora.

For instance, during his visit to Guyana last year, Modi gifted a Madhubani painting to the country’s President, Irfaan Ali, a gesture that further strengthened ties with the Indian-origin population in Guyana, where 43.5% of the population is of Indian descent. This population is largely descended from indentured laborers brought to the Caribbean by the British in the 19th century.

Bihar’s Influence on Global Diaspora

The connection between Bihar and the global diaspora is not limited to Mauritius or Guyana. At the beginning of this year, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, was invited as the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a key event hosted by the Indian government to honor its overseas citizens. This event showcased the importance of the Indian diaspora in shaping India’s foreign policy and political relations.

The outreach to the Bihar diaspora is, therefore, a significant part of Modi’s broader strategy to strengthen India’s connections with its citizens abroad, while also ensuring political support in key regions like Bihar. By engaging with communities that have strong cultural ties to Bihar, Modi aims to shore up support for the BJP in the upcoming elections.

Political Implications for Bihar Elections

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius, his use of Bhojpuri, his gift of Makhana, and his mention of Nalanda University all point to a well-crafted political strategy aimed at consolidating the support of Bihar’s diaspora and the voters back home. The BJP’s outreach to the Malla community, as evidenced by the Makhana Board initiative, shows that the party is keenly aware of the dynamics in Bihar’s electoral landscape.

As the assembly elections approach, it is clear that Bihar will be a critical battleground for both the BJP and opposition parties. The cultural, linguistic, and historical ties between Bihar and the Indian diaspora, particularly in countries like Mauritius, will likely play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the elections.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Mauritius was not just a diplomatic visit but also a strategic move aimed at securing Bihar’s votes in the upcoming assembly elections. By using Bhojpuri to connect with the people, gifting Makhana to the Mauritian Prime Minister, and emphasizing Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, Modi has successfully positioned himself as a leader who understands and values Bihar’s history and people. This outreach to the Indian diaspora, combined with strategic political moves, will likely play a key role in the BJP’s efforts to retain power in Bihar in the upcoming state elections.