Election Commission ‘examining’ PM Modi’s ‘infiltrators’ remark: Report

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is examining a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'infiltrators' remark that some viewed as anti-Muslim, India Today reported quoting sources. The PM, who is seeking a third consecutive term in office, is also facing allegations of spreading misinformation and misquoting former PM Manmohan Singh. The ECI source said the complaint is under consideration. Earlier, the commission had officially declined to comment on the matter.

The PM, during a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara on April 21, claimed that Congressparty’s manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, get information about it and then distribute that property.

“They will distribute it to whom - Manmohan Singh's government had said that Muslims have the first right on the country's assets," the PM said.

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The opposition is also accusingPMoflabellingall Muslims in the country as ‘infiltrators’. "It will be distributed to the infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money go to the infiltrators? Do you approve of this?," he said.

Opposition asks ECI to take strict action

Congress termed Modi’s speech as "divisive, objectionable and malicious” and asked the ECI to take action against the PM.

Congress also said thatPMhad made “blatantly defamatory”, “false” and “unverified allegations” against the party.

Congress warned that the poll body “risks tarnishing its legacy and abandoning its constitutional duty by setting a precedent of helpless inaction that will go down in infamy.”

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI (M) leader, Sitaram Yechury, said an FIR needed to be lodged against the PM.

“The ECI’s failure to take suitable action will further undermine its credibility as an autonomous institution and lead to further vitiation of the environment for a free and fair poll,” he said.

The party alleged that a police station in the national capital refused to register its complaint against PM Modi.

"Since the Mandir Marg police station refused to accept the complaint, it has been sent to the commissioner of police, Delhi," the party said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)