Modi is accused of using hate speech for calling Muslims 'infiltrators' at an Indian election rally
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India's main opposition party, the Congress party, has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using hate speech after he called Muslims 'infiltrators' at a campaign rally in the state of Rajasthan. The remarks drew criticism for peddling anti-Muslim tropes, and the Congress party filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India, alleging that Modi broke rules that bar candidates from aggravating religious tensions. Critics argue that India's tradition of diversity and secularism has come under attack since Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, accusing the party of fostering religious intolerance and violence. The BJP denies these accusations and claims that its policies benefit all Indians. The election results are expected to be announced on June 4. Modi's comments referred to a 2006 statement by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the Congress party, in which Singh said that India's disadvantaged groups, including the Muslim minority, deserved to share in the country's development equally. The Congress party also accused Modi and the BJP of repeatedly using religion and religious symbols in their election campaign, and called for action from the election commission. Modi's BJP has previously referred to Muslims as infiltrators and has made laws restricting interfaith marriage. Critics argue that Modi's silence on hate speech has emboldened his extreme supporters and enabled more hate speech against Muslims.

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https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/indian-opposition-accuses-modi-hate-speech-after-calls-109522276