Asaduddin Owaisi questions PM Modi over ‘infiltrators’ remarks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “false clarification” over his comments against “those with more children” and “infiltrators,” which were interpreted by many as disparaging Muslims, was questioned by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Owaisi charged that during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi and the BJP fostered extreme animosity towards Muslims by disseminating false information.

Owaisi said, “In his speech, Modi had labelled Muslims as infiltrators and those with too many children.” in a statement on X. He now says he didn’t want to address Hindu-Muslim relations or Muslims in general. Why did it take so long to provide this erroneous explanation? The foundation of Modi’s political career has been anti-Muslim sentiment.

“In this election, Modi and the BJP have propagated numerous falsehoods and incited tremendous animosity against Muslims. It’s not just Modi under scrutiny but also every voter who supported the BJP despite these speeches,” Owaisi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with News18, clarified his remarks on “infiltrators” and “those with more children,” stating that he wasn’t specifically targeting Muslims but referring to all poor families. He emphasized that he avoids playing the Hindu-Muslim card and believes in inclusive development.

“I am surprised. Who told you that mentioning people with more children implies they are Muslims? Why unfairly target Muslims? Poverty leads to large families, irrespective of religion. I didn’t specify Hindu or Muslim. I advocated for responsible family planning. Don’t burden the government to care for your children,” the Prime Minister stated on Tuesday.

PM Modi also reflected on the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat during his tenure as Chief Minister, acknowledging that his image among Muslims was tarnished after 2002. He emphasized his commitment to refrain from playing religious politics.

Asked about Muslim support in the elections, PM Modi asserted that people of the country, regardless of religion, will vote for him. He reiterated his pledge to avoid Hindu-Muslim politics.

Previously, in a public rally in Rajasthan, PM Modi accused the Congress of planning to redistribute wealth, alleging they aimed to distribute assets among those with more children. He referred to Congress’s purported plans to conduct surveys and redistribute wealth, including women’s jewelry.

Prime Minister Modi filed his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, seeking a third consecutive term. Varanasi will vote in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.