Modi Defends Against Allegations of Divisive Politics Ahead of 2024 Elections
Amid accusations of stoking Hindu-Muslim divisions to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that such actions would render him unworthy of public life. In a CNN-News18 interview, Modi, speaking in Varanasi after filing his nomination papers, stated, “The day I start talking about Hindu-Muslim (in politics) will be the day I lose my ability to lead a public life.”
Addressing remarks on “infiltrators” and “those with more children,” Modi clarified he referred to all poor families, not specifically Muslims. He questioned why large families are automatically assumed to be Muslim, highlighting poverty’s role across social circles.
The Opposition, notably Congress, has accused Modi and the BJP of targeting Muslims to appease Hindu voters, a charge both deny. Following his April 21 speech in Rajasthan criticizing Congress’s policies, Congress lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging Modi’s comments were objectionable and violated electoral rules. The commission has requested a response from BJP president JP Nadda.
