Religious hate speech during the 2024 Indian general election

During the 2024 Indian general election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been accused of using religious hate speech, particularly targeting Muslims by referring to them as 'infiltrators' and suggesting that the opposition would redistribute wealth to Muslims. These comments have drawn significant criticism from opposition parties, rights groups, and political analysts, who argue that such rhetoric exacerbates religious tensions and undermines India's secular traditions. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken cognizance of these allegations and requested responses from both Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding violations of the Model Code of Conduct. However, the ECI has been criticized for its slow and muted response, which some argue has emboldened such divisive rhetoric. Analysts suggest that Modi's use of inflammatory language is a strategy to consolidate the Hindu vote by portraying Muslims as a threat, diverting attention from pressing issues like economic inequality and unemployment. This rhetoric has raised concerns about potential violence and further societal division, and has negatively impacted India's global reputation. For more detailed information, you can refer to sources such as AP News, Al Jazeera, CNN, and Business Standard.