Narendra Modi’s government has been criticized for allegedly inciting hostility towards India’s Muslim community. During the 2002 Gujarat riots, when Modi was the Chief Minister, he stirred controversy with his comments about Muslims, questioning the need for government-run relief camps and suggesting that Muslim fertility rates were higher.
In the following years, Modi faced more allegations of discrimination. Critics claim that he openly expressed animosity towards Muslims, calling them infiltrators and suggesting they were used for vote bank politics. After becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Modi’s administration was accused of promoting divisive rhetoric, with statements comparing graveyards to crematoriums and contrasting Ramadan and Diwali.
The controversy grew when the BJP chose Pragya Singh Thakur, accused in the Malegaon blasts, as a candidate. Modi defended the decision, claiming it was to protect India’s ancient culture. This defense raised further questions about Modi’s commitment to inclusivity.
As elections approached, Modi was accused of using identity politics, pointing out people by their clothing during anti-CAA protests and suggesting that opposition parties favored certain religious symbols. Critics argue that Modi’s reliance on Hindutva ideology to win elections could lead to the exclusion of minority groups, especially Muslims, from India’s political scene.
