News Brief
PM Modi Calls For Muslim Indians To Introspect; Calls Out Assumption Of Muslim Veto
PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Muslim Indians to engage in introspection regarding their role and influence in Indian politics, challenging the prevailing assumption that their collective vote can veto or determine political outcomes.
In an interview with TimesNow, PM Modi, with over two decades of governance experience, pointed to the historical data of Gujarat, noting the absence of riots since 2002—a significant mark of peace compared to the frequent unrest in previous decades.
"In Gujarat, you must be aware, records are available from the 18th and 19th century that riots used to take place in Gujarat. Out of 10 years, 7 years would witness riots. After 2002, not a single riot took place in India. In Gujarat, muslims vote for BJP," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also appealed to the educated Muslims, urging them to contemplate why their community felt deprived and questioning the benefits received from previous Congress governments.
"I want to say this to the muslim community. I am telling this to educated muslims. Please introspect. Think. The country is progressing, if your community is feeling deprived, what's the reason for it? Why didn't you get benefits of government schemes when Congress was in government? During Congress era, did you become victim to this phenomenon? Think about it and decide for yourself," he said.
PM Modi also tackled the issue of political leverage, cautioning against the assumption that the Muslim community could dictate political outcomes to the detriment of their future generations.
"If you [Muslim community] keep thinking that you'll decide who will be in power and who will be dethroned, you will spoil the future of your children," he added.
"Muslim community is evolving across the globe. I visit Gulf countries, they give me so much respect. I get respect and so does Bharat. But we are facing protests here. In Saudi Arabia, Yoga is a subject of official syllabus. When I talk about Yoga, here they call me anti muslim," PM Modi said.
"In Gulf countries, wealthy and affluent people meet me and over dinner they ask me about dinner. They ask me if one has to take official training, what should one do? Some tell me that their wives go to India to learn yoga. They stay there for at least a month. Wives of affluent people in the Gulf are showing interest in Yoga. But in India, they've made it about Hindu-Muslim," he added.
"Those who are doing this, I want to appeal before the muslim community, please think about the lives of your children. Please think about your future. I don't want any community to live like bonded labourers just because somebody is always fearmongering," PM Modi said.
PM Modi also encouraged Muslims to engage directly with the BJP, dispelling fears of exclusion and inviting them to participate actively in the political process.
"If you start mingling, if you feel BJP people are the ones spreading fear, please 50 people come and sit in BJP office. Will they ask you to leave? What's happening? Who will ask you to leave? Please go lay siege to the BJP office. Who's stopping you?" PM Modi said.
