Modi’s anti-Muslim remarks spark outcry

NEW DELHI: Members of the Muslim community lambast Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks. His latest remarks against Muslims during an election rally in Rajasthan state have sparked outrage amid general elections. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is anticipated to win the general elections for the historic third time consecutively, foreign media reported.

Indian PM Modi’s Islamophobic statements attracted condemnation from members of the opposition and Muslim leaders. In the hate-infused statement, Modi alleged that the opposition party, the Indian National Congress, would distribute the country’s wealth among Muslims. He dubbed Muslims as “infiltrators” and “those who have more children”.

“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 asked his supporters if they would accept that their hard-earned money was given to the “infiltrators”.

The opposition party has requested India’s election commission to probe if Modi’s remarks violated its code of conduct. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s rules, an appeal for a vote should not be made based on caste and communal sentiments as it “may aggravate differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension”.

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 described the statements as “hate speech” and “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.”