Delhi, 22 April, 2024 (GNP): Narendra Modi’s recent comments targeting Muslims during a campaign rally in Rajasthan state have stirred controversy amidst ongoing general elections.
It is reported that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party, is expected to secure victory in the general elections for the third consecutive time, making it a historic win.
Statements made by Indian PM Modi, which were deemed Islamophobic, have drawn criticism from opposition members and Muslim leaders.
Modi’s inflammatory statement accused the opposition party, the Indian National Congress, of intending to distribute the nation’s wealth among Muslims. He characterized Muslims as “infiltrators” and criticized them for having larger families.
“When they (INC) were in power, they said Muslims have first right over resources. They will gather all your wealth and distribute it among those who have more children. They will distribute among infiltrators,” the PM said amid applause from the supporters.
Modi questioned his supporters whether they would agree to their hard-earned money being given to the “infiltrators”. Meanwhile, the opposition party has urged India’s election commission to investigate whether Modi’s remarks breached its code of conduct.
According to the rules of the Election Commission of India (ECI), making appeals for votes based on caste or communal sentiments is prohibited, as it has the potential to exacerbate differences, foster mutual hatred, or create tension.
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The Prime Minister’s remarks drew strong criticism from members of the Muslim community.
Muslim journalist Rana Ayyub wrote on the social media platform, X: “This is not a dogwhistle, this is a targeted, direct, brazen hate speech against a community.”
All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen President Asaduddin Owaisi said: “Modi today called Muslims infiltrators and people with many children. Since 2002 till this day, the only Modi guarantee has been to abuse Muslims and get votes.”
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge characterized the statements as “hate speech” and claimed they were “a well thought out ploy to divert attention.”
“Today the prime minister did what he has learnt from the values of the Sangh,” he said referring to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an extremist organization. “In the history of India, no prime minister has lowered the dignity of his post as much as Modi has.”