Political leaders, activists and journalists have severely criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urging Muslims to refrain from playing a role in the victory and defeat of any political party.
According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Thursday, in a recent media interview, Modi had asked the Muslim community to do self-introspection. The remarks were repeated by the Indian prime minister in his post on his X handle while sharing a clip of the interview. “For the first time, I am asking the Muslim community to introspect. If you keep thinking about who to put in power and who to remove, you will only ruin the future of your children,” posted Modi.
Modi’s remarks came a couple of weeks after he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” and “the people who have many children” during an election rally in Rajasthan. Later, he also made Islamophobic remarks such as “vote jihad” and “Jihadi voters”.
Usman Ghani, a Muslim leader associated with the BJP in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, was expelled and arrested when he criticised the controversial speech made by Modi.
The Indian prime minister’s remarks did not go well with several concerned individuals reminding him of his anti-Muslim tirade in election rallies.
Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who is also chairman of the Congress minority cell, said, “Prime Minister, when will you introspect? You should introspect that you love Muhammad bin Salman of Arab country a lot but you consider Muhammad and Salman of your own country as infiltrators? Just think once, how do you target Muslims to get votes in every election,” said Pratapgarhi.
He added: “Ask your conscience once how much the hatred against Muslims has increased during your 10 years in power. Just think once why do you follow social media accounts which abuse Muslims day and night”.
Commenting on his remarks about playing a role in the victory and defeat of any party, Journalist Shoaib Daniyal said “Remarkable that this warning that Muslims are trying to choose their government is taking place alongside widespread reports that Muslims are being denied the vote in UP. Choosing one’s government is a natural right. It cannot be denied”.
Pointing to the remarks, Journalist Suhasini Haider said “Seems hard to believe that winning an election is worth this divisive way of speaking by the leader of the country.
