EPS says PM’s remarks on Muslims ‘unacceptable’
Asserting that “India is a secular nation”, AIADMK general secretary and Tamil Nadu opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “speaking controversially about Muslim people”.
“It is not appropriate for political party leaders and the Prime Minister of India, who holds the highest office in the country, to express such controversial views, as it does not suit the governance of India,” Palaniswami, a former chief minister, said.
This comes two days after Modi, speaking at a rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara, said that the Congress, if voted to power, could distribute the nation’s wealth among “infiltrators” and “those who have more children”. “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,” Modi had said.
In a statement, Palaniswami said, “It is unacceptable to express opinions that would hurt the feelings of Muslim people. It is in the best interest of the nation and religious harmony for political leaders and those in high administrative positions to avoid such views. Such controversial opinions from political leaders create fear and provoke religious sentiments among minority communities. Speaking religiously divisive opinions, especially during election campaigns, goes against the principles of Indian governance. It must be completely avoided for the welfare of the nation.”