Modi reported to Electoral Commission for calling Muslims ‘infiltrators’ during campaign speech in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing backlash after making controversial comments about Muslims during a campaign speech. The main opposition party, Congress, has reported Modi’s remarks to the Election Commission, calling them “deeply objectionable” and a violation of electoral law.

Modi, a Hindu nationalist seeking a rare third consecutive term, made the comments during a speech just days after India’s massive seven-week election began. With almost a billion people expected to vote across 21 states and territories, the election is set to be a significant event in Indian politics.

During his speech, Modi accused the Congress party of promising to confiscate and redistribute the wealth of Indians, a claim that Congress denies. He also referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” and criticized the idea of minority Muslims having the “first claim on resources” for development.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi condemned Modi’s statement, citing electoral laws that prohibit candidates from using religion or community as grounds for voting. The government has repeatedly faced accusations of discrimination against Muslims, with concerns raised by civil society, opposition groups, and foreign governments.

Despite the denials from the government, many Muslims remain skeptical of Modi’s promises for a bright economic future for all. One voter, Abdul, expressed concern about the increasing focus on religion in elections, saying, “Earlier we used to live together, today we are all apart. Now elections are based on religion. This is wrong.”