New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has come under fire for visiting mosques in several Gulf countries amidst ongoing accusations of endorsing or failing to condemn domestic figures who advocate violence against Muslims in India. This criticism highlights a perceived double standard in Modi’s actions and policies, particularly relating to religious tolerance and minority rights within his own country.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the controversy intensified after Nitesh Rane, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra, made threats against Muslims during public rallies in his state. Rane’s inflammatory statements, where he threatened to kill Muslims found in mosques, have sparked widespread condemnation from various political and social leaders across India.
Tejashwi Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has been vocal in his criticism of Modi. Yadav accused the Prime Minister of exhibiting double standards by visiting mosques abroad while seemingly supporting or ignoring those who incite violence against Muslims in India.
In addition to political leaders, prominent journalists have also spoken out. Rajdeep Sardesai, a well-known journalist and news anchor, termed Rane’s comments as “brazen hate” and an “incitement to violence.” Sardesai has called for immediate legal action against Rane, suggesting imprisonment as a necessary response to such hate speech.
This incident has raised significant questions about the BJP’s stance on religious freedom and minority protection, issues that are crucial for India’s secular and democratic image. The backlash against Modi’s actions and the comments by Rane reflect broader concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in India under the current government.