Opposition accuses Indian PM Modi of hate speech targeting Muslims

The main opposition party in India has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of resorting to hate speech after he labeled Muslims as "infiltrators," a particularly provocative remark directed at the minority faith emerged just days after the start of the country's protracted general elections.

Modi's comments at a campaign rally on Sunday drew sharp criticism, while opponents claimed he was spreading anti-Muslim stereotypes. On Monday, the Congress party filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India, saying Modi violated regulations that prohibit candidates from escalating religious tensions.

Some critics of the prime minister, known for his hardline Hindu nationalist stance, argue that India's long-held values of diversity and secularism have been under siege since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power a decade ago. They accuse the party of promoting religious intolerance and, in some cases, violence. But the BJP rejects these claims, arguing that its policies are designed to benefit all citizens.

Addressing a rally in the state of Rajasthan, Modi said that when the Congress party was in government, they claimed that "Muslims have the first right over the country's resources." Warning that if the Congress comes back to power, "they will collect all your wealth and distribute it among those who have more children," Modi implied that this wealth would be allocated to those who "infiltrate the country."

He further added, "They will distribute it among infiltrators. Do you believe your hard-earned money should be allocated to infiltrators?"

Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned Modi's remarks as "hate speech", while party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi called them "highly objectionable". The Congress party demanded action from the election commission.

Modi's comments also invoked the Hindu nationalist narrative that Muslims are overtaking Hindus due to higher birth rates. Despite the fact that Hindus make up 80% of India's population and Muslims 14%, Modi repeated the unfounded claim that Muslims are overtaking Hindus in demographic ways.

Increase in hate speech

Modi's silence on religious intolerance, critics argue, has emboldened his most extreme supporters and led to an increase in hate speech and violence against Muslims. But the Election Commission has refused to comment on the issue, prompting further criticism from opposition parties over perceived inaction.

During his tenure, Modi's BJP has been accused of portraying Muslims as infiltrators and passing laws targeting interfaith marriages under the pretext of fighting "love jihad", an admittedly unproven conspiracy theory claiming that Hindu women are persuaded to convert by Muslim men.

Source: Newsroom