PM Modi claims innocence, says never did ‘Hindu-Muslim’
New Delhi: In an interview with News18 on Tuesday, May 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed innocence regarding his recent remarks about Muslims. The controversy stems from a speech Modi delivered three weeks ago, where he suggested that India’s wealth would be given to Muslims if the Congress party came to power. Despite video evidence of his statements, Modi denied ever specifically mentioning Muslims.
In his speech at a public rally in Banswara, Rajasthan on April 21, Modi told the crowd, “Earlier, when they (Congress) were in power, they said that the Muslims have the first right to the country’s wealth. This means they will distribute this wealth to those who have more children, to infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money be given to infiltrators?” His comments, viewed millions of times, referred to the Congress government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which governed from 2004 to 2014.
However, during the interview with Rubika Liyaquat, Modi took a defensive stance when questioned about his use of terms like "infiltrators" and "people who have too many kids." Modi responded with a melodramatic tone, “I’m shocked! Who said that when I mention people with too many kids it refers only to Muslims? Why are you doing injustice to Muslims?” He elaborated, “In our place, poor families are also in such a state. They're unable to educate their children, no matter which community they're from. Where there is poverty, there are more children.”
When pressed further on whether his statements singled out Muslims, Modi falsely claimed, “I neither said Hindu, nor Muslim. I only said, you should only have as many kids as you can take care of. Don't bring it to a stage where the government has to care for them.” He continued, “The day I do Hindu-Muslim, I will not be eligible to continue in public life. I will not do Hindu-Muslim, this is my commitment.”
These denials starkly contrast with the recorded evidence of Modi’s rally speech, where he clearly mentioned Muslims and linked them to the issue of resource allocation and national security. Fact-checks have further clarified that Manmohan Singh’s remark about “first claim on resources” during his tenure referred to prioritizing upliftment programs for marginalized groups including SCs, STs, OBCs, women, children, and minorities, rather than exclusively favoring Muslims.
In addition to the comments about wealth distribution, Modi also claimed that women’s wealth would be at risk if Congress returned to power. He asserted that the party would "snatch away" their "mangalsutra," a sacred symbol of marriage for Hindu women, which stirred further controversy.
The Prime Minister’s remarks and subsequent denials have intensified the political discourse, drawing criticism from various quarters. Opposition parties and social commentators have condemned Modi's statements, accusing him of spreading communal tensions. The Press Club of India and several senior journalists have also expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of truthful and responsible political rhetoric in upholding the democratic fabric of the country.
#Exclusive | "I neither mentioned Muslim nor Hindu": PM Modi on his "those who have more children, infiltrators remark"
— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 14, 2024
"The day I do 'Hindu-Muslim' I will not be eligible to stay in public life," he adds@RubikaLiyaquat | #PMModiToNews18India #LokSabhaPolls pic.twitter.com/4sAvAnd62q
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Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
