New Delhi, International media outlets have sharply criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his hate-filled speeches against Muslims during his current election rallies across India, highlighting a growing concern about the divisive nature of his rhetoric.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Modi’s speeches, which are seen as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) broader Hindutva agenda, have been a central theme of his campaign strategy. Reports from Al Jazeera and The Washington Post have pointed out the worrying silence from both the Indian media and the Election Commission of India regarding these inflammatory comments, suggesting complicity or a failure to enforce electoral integrity.
The situation is exacerbated by Modi’s direct attacks on Muslims, including refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar, labeling them as cowards and a threat to the Hindu majority. This has reportedly incited Hindu extremists and contributed to a hostile environment that could lead to violence. Despite official statistics showing a decline in the Muslim birth rate in India, Modi’s government has been accused of manipulating demographic data to stoke Hindu nationalist sentiments.
Coverage from The Wire and statements from international organizations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations have condemned these actions, calling Modi’s rhetoric irresponsible and a significant threat not only to Muslims in India but also to regional peace. These critiques highlight a stark contrast between Modi’s nationalist policies and India’s secular constitution, prompting calls for international intervention to address the rising tide of Islamophobia and communal violence under Modi’s leadership.