The Election commission of India declined to comment on the hate speech made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against Muslims during BJP’s poll campaign in Rajasthan.
A spokesperson for the Election Commission (EC) said: “We decline comment.”
In a clear violation of the model code of conduct, Prime Minister and BJP’s star election campaigner Narendra Modi described Muslim minorities in India as “infiltrators” and “those who have more children.”
Modi Sunday said that the Congress, if voted to power, could distribute the nation’s wealth among “infiltrators” and “those who have more children,” misquoting a statement by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding the minority community’s access to the country’s resources.
“This ‘urban Naxal’ mindset, mothers and sisters, they will not even leave your ‘mangalsutra’. They can go to that level… The Congress manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, get information about it and then distribute that property. They will distribute it to whom – Manmohan Singh’s government had said Muslims have the first right on the country’s assets,” PM Modi said at the rally on Sunday.
“It will be distributed to infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money go to infiltrators? Do you approve of this?” PM Modi said.
“Is it acceptable to you? Do governments have the right to confiscate your property which you have earned through hard work? The gold with our mothers and sisters is not for showing off; it is related to their self-respect. The value of their mangalsutra is not in gold or its price, but is related to her dreams in life. And you are talking about snatching it?” PM Modi said.
The code states politicians must not appeal to voters based on “caste” and “communal feelings.” Activity which “may aggravate differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension” between communities and religions, is also not allowed.
Modi is facing accusations of spreading hatred against Muslims after controversial comments on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Renu Poonia, a nodal officer of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Jaipur revealed that the complaints against Modi’s hate speech were received from the Azad Adhikar Sena, a regional political party, and a local non-profit organisation.
The speech triggered widespread anger from Muslims and members of the opposition.
Congress party chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, said Modi’s “hate speech” was “a deliberate ploy to divert attention.”
“Today the prime minister did what he has learnt from the values of the Sangh,” referring to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) a right-wing Hindu paramilitary organization. “In the history of India, no prime minister has lowered the dignity of his post as much as Modi has.”
AIMIM chief 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.”
