PM Modi Claims 'Vote Jihad' Remark Exposes INDIA Bloc's Divisive Strategy in Lok Sabha Election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seized upon a controversial 'vote jihad' remark made by Maria Alam, the niece of Congress leader Salman Khurshid, to accuse the INDIA alliance of attempting to divide voters along religious lines in the ongoing Lok Sabha election. Alam, a Samajwadi Party leader, had appealed to Muslim voters to launch a 'vote jihad' to remove the current government during a campaign rally in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The Prime Minister claimed that Alam's statement reveals the INDIA bloc's attempt to diminish the Lok Sabha elections by insulting democracy and the Constitution. He further alleged that no Congress leader had opposed the remark, indicating a 'tacit understanding' between the party and its alliance partners. "The 'I.N.D.I.A. bloc' has asked Muslims to go for 'Vote Jihad'," Modi said, condemning the statement as an affront to democratic principles.

In response to the controversy, the Uttar Pradesh Police have registered cases against Alam and Khurshid under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of People Act for promoting enmity between classes in connection with the elections. Alam had termed the 'vote jihad' as a 'necessary' step to 'drive away' the BJP government, while Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief, defended her remarks as an attempt to encourage high voter turnout.

Why this matters: The 'vote jihad' controversy highlights the increasingly polarized and communally charged nature of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. It underscores the attempts by political parties to mobilize voters along religious lines and the potential impact on the democratic process.

The incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of religion in electoral politics and the need for strict action against those found guilty of exploiting communal sentiments for political gain. As the fallout from Alam's statement continues, it raises important questions about the conduct of political parties and leaders in the world's largest democracy.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi accused INDIA alliance of 'vote jihad' to divide voters on religious lines.
• Samajwadi Party leader Maria Alam called for 'vote jihad' to remove BJP govt.
• UP Police registered cases against Alam and Khurshid for promoting enmity.
• Controversy highlights polarized and communally charged nature of Lok Sabha polls.
• Debate on role of religion in electoral politics and need for action against exploitation.