‘BJP is Inclusive’: PM in Kerala After Maneka’s Warning to Muslims

“The BJP is an alternative that is inclusive, democratic and compassionate,” said Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

(Photo: IANS)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 12 April, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party represents all communities and is “inclusive and democratic.” Modi was addressing a rally in Kerala’s Kozhikode that has a large Muslim population.

“The BJP is an alternative that is inclusive, democratic and compassionate,” NDTV quoted him as saying.

Modi’s comments come the same day as Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s ‘warning’ to Muslims in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur where she said that she might not be inclined to help Muslims if they don’t vote for her.

“I am winning... I am winning because of the support of the people. But, if my win is sans the support of Muslims... then I wouldn’t feel too good... things will then turn sour. In such a scenario, if a Muslim comes to me for work, I will not be inclined to do it... I’ll think ‘how does it matter?’ A job is about give and take... it’s not like we all are Mahatma Gandhi’s children,” she said at the rally.

“I will win even without you... but you need me. When the results come out and I see that this booth voted only 50-100 times... I will be pained. So, it is all up to you,” she added.

‘Oppn Leaders Are Heroes in Pakistan’: PM

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress and other parties, Modi in the rally said the Opposition leaders are heroes in Pakistan and are being quoted there to "discredit" India.

In an apparent reference to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from neighbouring Wayanad besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi, Modi asked the people of Kerala to be cautious of those who come to the state to "save themselves."

He also said the Communists and the Congress have taken the people of the state for granted.

“Beware of those people who come to Kerala not to serve you, but to save themselves. Those who are on bail for tax fraud are coming to Kerala for their own political bail out. When such leaders or their party members come to you for vote, ask them about their performances in their constituencies. They won’t have anything to say,” Modi said.

He lashed out at the Congress and its "non-serious attitude" towards national security and said "they were silent when they had to act."

When the Congress was in power, the country saw many terror attacks, Modi said.

"Now, when our forces successfully eliminate terrorists in their own home, the Congress and the Left question our forces. Today, the bare minimum they can do is to show support but they are questioning and insulting the defence forces," the prime minister said.

"Our Opposition leaders are heroes in Pakistan where their speeches are being quoted by their leaders to discredit India," Modi said.

Addressing a massive rally organised by the BJP-led NDA at the beach front, he said electing the Congress and the LDF was like giving licence to its leaders to engage in top-level corruption.

Slamming the Congress for indulging in corruption, Modi said the "Tughlaq road election scam" has been the talk of the nation.

The money that was being looted was meant to be used to provide nutrition to women and children, he said. "Imagine how shameless they are," Modi said at the Vijay Sankalp rally.

(With inputs from NDTV and PTI)