The inundation of criticism continued without any effect on BJP leader Narendra Modi and his party members, who continue castigating the Muslim community during election campaigns, but their target is the Congress party. As it is found to be losing ground under its feet, the BJP’s toxic rhetoric on Muslims and the Congress manifesto reverberated everywhere.
A report in The Wire analyses how a desperate BJP is trying to twist the facts in the Congress manifesto with its anti-Muslim rhetoric to create fear in the Hindu majority and simultaneously instil hope in Hindus as a means of appeasement, portraying itself as a shield against the Muslim community.
Besides his anti-Muslim remarks, Narendra Modi introduced another narrative during his speech in Surendranagar, Gujarat, on May 2nd, accusing the Congress of promising to introduce a special quota for Muslims in the awarding of government tenders if it comes to power in its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
Modi, however, did not mince words to stir religious fervour in people, who lambasted the Congress for indulging in vote bank politics and appeasing the Muslim community for votes. So he does the same to appease the Hindus in another way around while attacking the Muslim community.
He stated that government contracts should be awarded based on merit and qualifications, rather than on the basis of religion or caste.
However, upon closer examination of the Congress manifesto, Modi's claims appear to lack factual basis. The manifesto indeed references "public works contracts" but makes no mention of a fixed quota for minorities or Muslims. Instead, it pledges to ensure that minorities receive their fair share of opportunities in various sectors, including public works contracts, without discrimination.
This discrepancy between Modi's assertions and the actual content of the Congress manifesto raises questions about the authenticity of his claims. Critics argue that Modi's rhetoric is aimed at polarizing voters along religious lines rather than addressing substantive issues.
Furthermore, Modi's criticism of the Congress's proposal contrasts with his previous statements emphasizing the importance of non-discrimination in government policies. Both Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have underscored the principle of equal access to benefits and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
The controversy surrounding Modi's speech highlights broader concerns about discrimination and inequality in India. While the country's constitution prohibits discrimination, marginalized communities, including Muslims, continue to face systemic bias in various spheres, including employment, education, and access to finance.
In response to Modi's allegations, the Congress party has defended its manifesto, clarifying that its aim is to ensure equal opportunities for all sections of society, rather than promoting preferential treatment based on religion. The party has accused Modi of spreading misinformation for political gain.
As the election campaign intensifies, Modi's rhetoric targeting Muslim Indians has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Several complaints have been filed with the Election Commission, urging action against Modi's alleged disinformation tactics.
Moreover, Modi's selective interpretation of the Congress manifesto underscores a broader trend in Indian politics, where narratives are often crafted to exploit communal divisions for electoral gains. This trend not only undermines the fabric of India's secular democracy but also detracts from substantive policy discussions on issues such as economic development, healthcare, and education.