Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the opposition INDIA bloc is seeking votes by promising religion-based reservations in the Constitution. Modi accused the Congress party of planning to take away jobs from families of marginalized communities and give them to those who have the “first claim” on resources, referring to Muslims.
During a public meeting for the Lok Sabha elections in Aonla, Modi stated that if two people in a backwards Dalit family were employed, one job would be taken away and given to those with the “first right” to the country’s resources.
Modi made similar allegations in Banswara, Rajasthan, where he accused the Congress party of redistributing gold and property from the people to “infiltrators” and those with many children.
He cited the Congress manifesto, which he claimed includes redistributing gold from the people to those who, according to former PM Manmohan Singh, have the first right to resources—Muslims.
India’s Election Commission issued a notice to BJP president J P Nadda regarding complaints from the Congress, CPI, CPI (ML), and civil society groups about a divisive speech Modi gave in Banswara. Nadda must respond by Monday.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Modi, seeking a meeting to explain the party’s manifesto. Kharge accused Modi of misrepresenting their ‘Nyay Patra’ and promoting communal division.
Kharge said, “It has become your habit to seize on a few words out of context and create a communal divide. You are lowering the dignity of your position by speaking in this manner.” Kharge offered to meet with Modi to clarify the manifesto and avoid making false statements.”
