“I Never Said Hindu Or Muslim, I Talked About…”: PM Modi Clarifies Remarks
Credit: NDTV
15.05.2024: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified his recent remarks about “infiltrators” and “those with more children” during an interview with News 18. He emphasized that his comments were directed at poor families, not specifically Muslims, and stressed his commitment to inclusivity.
Clarification on Remarks
PM Modi stated, “I never mentioned Hindus or Muslims. I spoke about the need for families to have only as many children as they can care for. Poverty leads to larger families, regardless of religion.” He expressed disappointment at the assumption that his comments targeted Muslims and reiterated his belief in “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all).
Context and Background
Reflecting on the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat, PM Modi addressed accusations that his image among Muslims was tarnished after 2002. He shared personal anecdotes to highlight his longstanding relationships with Muslim communities, stating, “I grew up in a diverse environment with Muslim neighbors. Even today, many of my friends are Muslims.”
Electoral Stance
When asked about Muslim support in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi responded confidently, “The people of the country will vote for me.” He firmly declared, “The day I start doing Hindu-Muslim politics, I won’t be entitled to live in the public domain. This is my pledge.”
Recent Controversy
Earlier, PM Modi had accused Congress of planning to redistribute wealth from families with fewer children to those with more, sparking controversy. He claimed that Congress’s policies would unfairly target assets, including women’s Mangalsutra.
Nomination for Varanasi
On Tuesday, PM Modi filed his nomination papers for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, seeking a third consecutive term. Varanasi will vote in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1, with counting on June 4.
Prime Minister Modi’s clarifications aim to dispel misconceptions and reinforce his commitment to serving all communities equally as India approaches the 2024 elections.