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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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
