Day after Modi’s remarks, Mallikarjun Kharge seeks appointment with PM to discuss Congress manifesto

“Earlier, when they (the Congress) were in power, they had said Muslims have the first right to the wealth of the nation. This means they will distribute this wealth to those who have more children, to infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money be given to infiltrators? Do you agree to this?” he said. “Congress’s manifesto says they will take stock of the gold mothers and daughters have, and will distribute that wealth. Manmohan Singh’s government had said Muslims have the first right to wealth. Brothers and sisters, this Urban Naxal thinking will not spare even the mangal sutras of my mothers and sisters),” the PM added.

Kharge has termed PM Modi’s remarks as “hate speech”, saying that it was “a well thought-out ploy” to divert people’s attention, prompted by the “panic” and “disappointment” over the first phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He added that Congress’s manifesto “has no mention of the words Muslim and Hindu”.

“Uttering lies to gain power and making baseless references to things to foist false accusations on opponents are the speciality of the training of the Sangh and BJP. The 140 crore people of this country are not going to fall for these lies…Our manifesto is for every Indian…It talks about equality and justice for all… The basis of the Congress’s nyay patra is truth, but it seems the chair of the dictator in the form of Goebbels is wobbling,” he said.

Modi’s remarks drew the ire of several Opposition parties. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, “Since 2002, the only Modi guarantee has been to abuse Muslims and get votes.”

Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi called his speech “extremely misleading, hateful in content and is as divisive as it can get”.

The Indian Express has earlier reported that the Congress party may approach the Election Commission over Modi’s remarks.