Indian Elections: Modi's Polarizing Rhetoric Sparks Controversy

People queue up to cast their votes in a polling station during the third phase of general election in Guwahati, Assam, India, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

On Tuesday, millions of Indian voters across 93 constituencies participated in the third round of multi-phase national elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his campaign, delivering incendiary speeches that target the Muslim minority.

During recent rallies, Modi referred to Muslims as 'infiltrators' and alleged that they 'have too many children,' perpetuating a Hindu nationalist narrative. He also accused the Indian National Congress party of planning to 'loot' wealth from Hindus and redistribute it among Muslims, who make up 14% of India's population.

The election, which will run until June 1 with vote counting on June 4, features crucial seats in states like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. Most polls predict a victory for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against a broad opposition alliance led by the Congress and regional parties.

Modi intensifies campaign with incendiary speeches targeting Muslims.

Third round of Indian elections held across 93 constituencies.

Election features crucial seats in states like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.

Modi shifts focus towards Hindu nationalism from economic progress.

Opposition alliance highlights issues like corruption and unemployment.

Modi's rhetoric criticized for being divisive and labeled as hate speech.

No warnings issued to Modi despite complaints for breaching conduct rules.

Concerns raised about potential decline in voter turnout and escalating rhetoric.

BJP's strategy reflects a shift towards polarizing speeches amidst economic concerns.

Focus on religious and communal issues raises questions about India's secular tradition.

Initially focusing on economic progress, Modi has shifted towards emphasizing Hindu nationalism in his campaign. Analysts suggest that this change aims to secure a supermajority in Parliament by consolidating votes from the Hindu majority, who constitute 80% of the population.

While India's economy shows rapid growth, many citizens face economic challenges such as unemployment and inflation. The opposition alliance aims to capitalize on this discontent by highlighting issues like corruption, low agricultural prices, and high unemployment.

Modi's rhetoric has drawn criticism for its divisive nature, with opponents labeling it as 'hate speech' that could fuel religious tensions. Despite complaints to the election commission, no warnings have been issued to Modi for breaching conduct rules.

Observers note a potential decline in voter turnout compared to previous elections, prompting the BJP to escalate its rhetoric. Modi and his party have raised concerns about the opposition's alleged plans to redistribute wealth from non-Muslims to Muslims, sparking further controversy.

As the election unfolds, the BJP's strategy reflects a shift towards polarizing speeches to mobilize voters amidst growing economic concerns and voter fatigue. The campaign's focus on religious and communal issues has raised questions about the future of India's secular and diverse tradition.