The Septa: 7 times when PM Modi vilified Muslims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a controversial figure regarding his statements and actions concerning Muslims in India. He had come under fire for allegedly using inflammatory language to further his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which is running for a historic third term, during the election campaign by referring to Muslim votes as "Vote Jihad."

No place in Ram rajya?

At a BJP rally in the central province of Madhya Pradesh amid this election season, Modi stated that voters would have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of "Vote Jihad" and "Ram Rajya." The phrase, which translates to "Ram's Governance," describes a perfect society that is marked by justice, wealth, and equality. Some people now think that the ascent of the BJP is the only way to realize this dream.

Here are seven instances where his comments or policies have been criticized for their impact on the Muslim community:

2002 Gujarat Riots

While not a direct statement, Modi's handling of the 2002 Gujarat riots, where many Muslims were killed in communal violence, drew criticism for alleged inaction and bias. His administration faced accusations of failing to prevent the violence and not taking sufficient measures to protect the Muslim community during the unrest.

2014 Election Campaign

During his election campaign in 2014, Modi faced criticism for his remarks, including statements like "puppy under a car" in reference to the 2002 riots, which were seen as insensitive to the plight of Muslim victims. These comments sparked outrage and were perceived as trivializing the tragic events and the suffering of those affected.

2007 Remark on Sohrabuddin Encounter

Modi allegedly referred to Sohrabuddin Sheikh, a Muslim man killed in a controversial encounter, as a "terrorist." This was seen as prejudiced and contributed to concerns about extrajudicial killings. Critics argued that such remarks reinforced negative stereotypes and undermined the rule of law.

Gujarat Model of Development

Critics argue that the Gujarat model promoted by Modi disproportionately favored Hindu-majority areas, neglecting the development needs of Muslim-majority regions. This approach was seen as exacerbating socio-economic disparities and failing to address the inclusive growth of all communities.

Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC)

Modi's government's introduction of the CAA, coupled with plans for a nationwide NRC, was seen as discriminatory against Muslims, as it excluded them from fast-tracked citizenship while benefiting other religious groups. The laws sparked widespread protests and were viewed as undermining the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.

Statements on Population Control

Modi's comments about population control, often perceived as targeting Muslim families, have sparked debates about religious discrimination in policy discourse. Such statements were criticized for singling out a particular community and fostering divisive narratives.

Lack of Condemnation of Hate Speech

Critics argue that Modi has not consistently condemned hate speech and actions targeting Muslims, contributing to a culture of intolerance and discrimination. His silence or delayed responses to incidents of communal violence and hate crimes have been seen as tacit approval, further polarizing society.