Ahead of the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech alleging that the Congress manifesto promised to redistribute wealth among ‘infiltrators’ and ‘those with more children’ has ignited a heated debate.
The Congress party has strongly condemned PM Modi’s remarks, urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi expressed concern over the ‘divisive and malicious’ nature of the statements and appealed to PM Modi to withdraw and clarify them.
PM Modi’s initial comments were made on April 21st in Rajasthan during a Lok Sabha election campaign speech. He claimed that the Congress manifesto aimed to calculate and distribute gold and property, prioritizing Muslims and families with multiple children.
According to the PM, such policies would pave the way for ‘urban-naxal’ ideologies and infringe upon the rights of citizens. He further asserted that the Congress manifesto was an attempt to redistribute wealth based on the ‘ideology of Maoism.’
However, an examination of the Congress manifesto reveals no explicit mention of wealth redistribution. The 48-page document focuses on social justice and equity, promising to ‘address the growing inequality of wealth and income.’ It emphasizes the need for a ‘nation-wide socio-economic and caste census’ to strengthen affirmative action measures.
The manifesto also calls for a constitutional amendment to remove the 50% cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Additionally, it aims to ensure equal opportunities for minorities in education, healthcare, and other sectors without discrimination.
In response to PM Modi’s remarks, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera has accused him of spreading ‘lies after lies’ for electoral gains. The party has approached the EC, urging it to take action against PM Modi for violating election laws with ‘deeply objectionable’ comments about Muslims.
Other Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, have also denounced PM Modi’s statements. They maintain that the PM’s malicious intent is to spread fear and garner votes by targeting Muslims and marginalized communities.
The controversy surrounding PM Modi’s wealth redistribution claims has intensified the political atmosphere ahead of the upcoming elections. The Congress and other Opposition parties have vehemently refuted the allegations, while PM Modi has defended his stance. It remains to be seen how the ECI will respond to the complaints and what impact this issue will have on the election outcome.
