New Delhi, The Congress Party has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of targeting the Muslim minority in a recent campaign speech, in violation of the country’s secular election laws.

According to Kashmir Media Service, India’s election code prohibits campaigning that appeals to communal sentiments. Despite India’s constitutionally secular status, Modi’s election strategy significantly incorporates Hindu-first rhetoric, which has been a critical element of his appeal, leading to allegations of marginalizing the country’s 200 million Muslims.

During a rally in Rajasthan over the weekend, Modi controversially remarked that a previous Congress government had prioritized Muslims in the distribution of the nation’s wealth, suggesting that if Congress were to win, funds would be unfairly allocated to Muslims and “infiltrators” over other citizens. He posed the question to his audience whether they would want their earnings to benefit such groups.

This statement drew sharp criticism, with opponents interpreting it as a veiled reference to the Muslim community. Congress party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi, speaking after filing the complaint, expressed hope for “concrete action” from the Election Commission.

The controversy comes in the backdrop of Modi inaugurating a Hindu temple earlier this year, which was constructed on a site historically significant to both Hindus and Muslims, highlighting the ongoing religious tensions within the nation.