Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign statements target Muslims, stoking fears of increased communal tensions amid India’s ongoing elections
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently intensified his electoral strategy by invoking anti-Muslim sentiment, alarming observers who see this as a tactic to influence voter behaviour. Addressing supporters in Gujarat, Modi accused opposition parties of engaging Muslims in a ‘vote jihad’, aiming to undermine national stability. This marked escalation in communal rhetoric comes as India progresses through the critical phases of its national election.
During a campaign rally in Meerut on March 31, 2024, Modi drew on controversial themes of ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad’ to portray Muslims as part of a larger conspiracy against Hindu citizens. His comments followed statements by Maria Alam of the Samajwadi Party, who urged Muslims to utilize their votes as a form of jihad, emphasizing it as a peaceful struggle through democratic means. Modi, however, presented these calls to action as threats to India’s democracy, potentially deepening the communal divide.
The situation is particularly tense as India approaches the mid-point of its election, with the next phase scheduled for May 7. Analysts express concerns that Modi’s rhetoric could incite further violence against Muslims, a community already navigating a challenging social climate. In response, nearly 20,000 Indian citizens petitioned the Election Commission to address Modi’s provocative language, fearing its impact on national harmony.
Further compounding the controversy, the BJP recently released a campaign video depicting Muslims as historical aggressors, which was later removed from social media following public backlash. Despite these provocations, Modi’s government maintains that his statements are merely responses to opposition tactics aimed at garnering Muslim votes by fearmongering about Hindu disenfranchisement.
Critics argue that Modi’s approach could undermine India’s secular foundations and inflame Hindu nationalist sentiments. Opposition leaders, including Congress legislator Pramod Tiwari, have called for Modi’s disqualification from the campaign, accusing him of violating the dignity of his office and endangering democracy.
As the election continues, the international community and human rights organizations like Amnesty International watch closely, concerned about the potential for increased discrimination and violence. Modi’s tactics, while rallying his base, risk leaving a lasting impact on India’s societal fabric, challenging the principles of diversity and tolerance essential to democratic integrity.
