Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi on Thursday accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin of “misusing a festival day” to poison the minds of people against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Responding to Stalin’s comments on “increase in hate speeches against minorities”, she said it was ironic that such a statement was coming from a person who has insulted Sanatan Dharma.
Ilmi said “It is unfortunate that MK Stalin is using this festival day to poison the minds of people against Modi. Look, where all this is coming from. This is MK Stalin’s party, which is known for insulting Sanatan Dharma. I find it extremely ironic that Stalin, who has insulted Sanatan Dharma and called it various abuses, is himself talking about spreading hatred. It is shocking. He should introspect and think why there is so much hatred towards a religion.
The BJP leader claimed that the figures of the Narendra Modi government’s tenure reflect good governance and highlight the benefits given to minorities. Ilmi said, “They should also look at the figures that due to good governance during the Modi government’s rule, minorities have benefited much more than the proportion of India’s population. The welfare schemes of the central government have proved to be effective on a large scale and there has been no discrimination on the basis of religion.”
He further said, “This is the first time that minorities have benefited so much from the welfare schemes of the central government. They should also do the same and learn from Modi. You cannot insult any religion and call it by dirty names just for the sake of your communal politics.”
His comments came after MK Stalin cited a reported 74 per cent rise in hate speeches against minorities since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power at the Center and said it “signals grave danger ahead”. He said that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending Christmas celebrations, the attacks by some “right-wing violent groups” send a worrying message to the country.
“When some right-wing violent groups, acting in the name of the majority, carry out attacks and riots while the Prime Minister is attending Christmas celebrations, it sends a worrying message to the nation,” Stalin posted on X.
Citing alleged reports of attacks on minorities in Jabalpur and Raipur, he said this is unacceptable for anyone who values harmony. After Manipur, reports of attacks on minorities in Jabalpur, Raipur and elsewhere are unacceptable for anyone who values harmony. The reported 74 per cent increase in hate speeches against minorities since the BJP government came to power at the Center indicates serious danger ahead.
Stalin said, “Therefore curbing the riotous groups dividing the society is a common and urgent duty, which must be implemented with determination.” He added that “the true strength and character of the majority lies in ensuring that the minorities can live without any fear”.