EC starts examining complaints against PM Modi's speech

NEW DELHI: Amidst a growing chorus of opposition condemnation, the Election Commission has initiated an examination of complaints lodged against a speech delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajasthan. In the contentious address, PM Modi suggested that if the Congress were to assume power, it would purportedly redistribute wealth to Muslims.
The Congress party and the Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPI-M) lodged separate appeals with the election watchdog, urging action against PM Modi's remarks made during a rally in Rajasthan.
During his speech on Sunday, PM Modi inferred that a Congress-led government would prioritize the allocation of resources to the Muslim community, citing former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement regarding the minority community's entitlement to the nation's assets.
Sources said the Election Commission has started examining complaints against the speech made by the prime minister.
The Congress party, in its plea to the Election Commission, denounced PM Modi's comments as "divisive," "malicious," and targeting a specific religious group. They specifically referenced the remarks made by PM Modi in Banswara, Rajasthan.
Similarly, Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of the CPI-M, took to social media to urge the Election Commission to address the complaint promptly. Yechury demanded that proceedings be initiated against PM Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further advocating for the filing of an FIR.
"Urge the ECI to take cognisance of this latest complaint and immediately launch proceedings against Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). An FIR needs to be lodged for inciting communal passions and hatred," Yechury said in his statement.
Echoing the sentiments of the opposition, Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi underscored the gravity of the situation, characterizing it as a litmus test for the Election Commission. Singhvi warned that the inaction of the poll panel could blemish its reputation and represent a departure from its constitutional obligation, leaving a legacy of ineffectuality.