PM Modi confronts INDIA bloc on SP leader’s ‘vote jihad’ appeal in new video.
Salman Khurshid and SP leader Maria Alam Khan faced legal action following the latter’s purported speech during a public rally in UP’s Kayamganj on April 30. The speech allegedly contained inflammatory remarks, leading to a case being registered against them. The booking reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating instances of hate speech and incitement to violence, especially in the charged atmosphere of political rallies during election season.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his critique of the opposition coalition, the INDI alliance, in light of recent developments involving an alleged appeal for ‘vote jihad.’ The Prime Minister, addressing the issue head-on, lambasted the coalition for what he described as “dangerous intentions” during a recent public address.
Pointing to an appeal purportedly made by Maria Alam Khan, a Congress leader Salman Khurshid’s niece and a Samajwadi Party member, PM Modi emphasized the gravity of the situation. He highlighted the significance of the source, noting that the appeal originated from an educated family rather than from a traditional religious institution.
PM Modi went on to accuse the INDI alliance of attempting to manipulate the Muslim electorate by calling for ‘vote jihad.’ He characterized this move as an insult to democracy and the Constitution, alleging that the coalition’s silence on the matter implied tacit approval. According to PM Modi, the lack of condemnation from Congress leaders further compounds the issue, indicating a broader agreement within the coalition.
The Prime Minister portrayed the situation as part of a broader pattern of divisive tactics employed by the INDI alliance. He alleged that while the coalition claims to represent the interests of marginalized communities, it simultaneously seeks to sow discord among different segments of society. PM Modi suggested that by advocating for ‘vote jihad,’ the INDI alliance is exacerbating existing fault lines within the electorate.
The term ‘vote jihad’ itself has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the coalition of stoking communal tensions and exploiting religious identity for political gain. PM Modi’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the rise of identity-based politics and the potential consequences for social cohesion and democratic norms.
In concluding his address, PM Modi reiterated his condemnation of the INDI alliance’s tactics, characterizing them as fundamentally antithetical to the principles of democracy. He called upon voters to reject such divisive rhetoric and instead prioritize unity and inclusivity in the electoral process.
The Prime Minister’s comments come at a crucial juncture in India’s political landscape, with the country gearing up for a series of important elections. As parties vie for power and influence, the issue of identity politics is likely to remain a central theme, shaping the contours of political discourse and public opinion in the months ahead.
Salman Khurshid and Samajwadi Party leader Maria Alam Khan faced legal repercussions following the latter’s purported speech at a public rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Kayamganj on April 30. Allegedly, Khan urged the minority community to engage in “vote jihad,” prompting the filing of an FIR against both individuals.
Meanwhile, at a public rally in Gujarat’s Anand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the previous UPA government, accusing it of providing “dossiers” to terrorists and alleging a nexus between the Congress party and Pakistan. PM Modi claimed a “coincidence” between Congress’s decline in India and Pakistan’s prayers for its resurgence, insinuating a partnership between the two.
Accusing the Congress of peddling falsehoods and branding itself as the “shop of love” (“Mohabbat ka dhukan”), PM Modi lambasted the party for allegedly becoming a “factory of fake goods.” He questioned Congress’s agitation and criticized its attempts to divide the country, contrasting the UPA’s reign with the NDA’s service period.
PM Modi highlighted Congress’s purported misuse of the Constitution and its divisive tactics, asserting that while his government is fulfilling Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of national unity, Congress seeks to sow discord. He underscored the need to uphold the integrity of the Constitution and accused Congress of tampering with it for decades.
Drawing a distinction between Congress’s six-decade-long rule and the BJP’s ten years in power, PM Modi portrayed the former as a “reign” and the latter as a “service period.” He emphasized his government’s commitment to serving the nation and accused Congress of perpetuating divisions in society.
Gujarat, where 25 out of 26 seats will go to polls in the third phase of the general elections on May 7, occupies a central position in the electoral landscape. Notably, voting will not occur in Surat as BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed. The electoral process in Surat concluded after the rejection of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani’s nomination and the withdrawal of other contenders. Results for the Gujarat elections are slated for announcement on June 4.