New Delhi, As India’s multi-phase election unfolds, the Election Commission has called on leaders from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party to address allegations of making divisive and anti-Muslim statements during their campaign speeches.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the complaints lodged by both parties allege violations of election rules pertaining to speeches that potentially stoke divisions based on religion, caste, and linguistic lines. The BJP has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of fostering linguistic and cultural divisiveness, while the Congress has charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with making derogatory references to Muslims, labeling them as “infiltrators” and commenting negatively on their birth rates during a campaign event on Sunday.

These accusations have prompted the Election Commission to request formal responses from BJP President JP Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge by April 29. The ongoing election, set to conclude with vote counting on June 4, has heightened scrutiny of political rhetoric, particularly statements that could incite community tensions in a diverse and multi-ethnic society.

The incident highlights the challenges facing India’s electoral integrity, especially regarding adherence to the principles of secularism and inclusivity as campaigning intensifies. Both parties’ responses will likely shape the discourse as the nation proceeds through the remaining phases of its election.