More than 17,400 citizens write to EC demanding action against PM Modi for alleged hate speech

Over 17,400 citizens wrote to the Election Commission seeking action against PM Narendra Modi for alleged hate speech targeting Muslims during a rally, claiming he violated the Model Code of Conduct.

New Delhi, April 22, 2024 - Approximately 17,400 Indian citizens have put their signatures on letters sent to the Election Commission of India, asking for a legal action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the comments made during an election rally on April 21st that are considered to be offensive for the Muslim community.

In a letter that was signed by 2,209 people, the group alleged that PM Modi's comments about 'sharing the nation's wealth among 'infiltrators' if he is re-elected amount to a direct attack on the country's Muslims. The letter pointed out that the PM's pejorative language targeting the Muslim community in a bid to seek votes seriously undermines India.

Another separate letter by the Samvidhan Bacchao Nagrik Abhiyan with over 17,400 signatures to Modi accused the allegation that Modi was going against the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act by giving speech that "appeal to the communal feelings" and "instigating and aggravating hatred against Muslims."

The people organizations raised the objection to the remarks of Modi regarding the Congress would favor Muslims by highlighting that the opposition party had already made the statements "Muslims have the first right on the country's assets" and "will distribute wealth to those with more children and those who are infiltrators."

In both letters, the petitioners asked the Election Commission to bring to notice the prime minister and also to consider banning him from the campaign, as he made remarks that "could potentially tear the societal fabric of India."

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The Congress is most clearly denying Modi's claims that the former PM's Manmohan Singh's comments were taken out of context. In his 2006 speech, Singh had expressed the opinion that the deprived sections of the society including Muslims being provided with the first claim on national resources was necessary for their empowerment as well as sharing in the development, but not the redistribution of national assets.

The hate speech accusations have really heightened the tension in an already charged national election. The Election Commission is likely to examine the complaints against the Prime Minister regarding his comments over the course of the next few days.