Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with News18, clarified his recent remarks about "infiltrators" and "those with more children," emphasising that he was not singling out Muslims but addressing issues affecting all poor families. He stressed his commitment to serving all citizens, regardless of religion, and condemned the divisive politics of Hindu-Muslim polarisation.
"I am shocked. Who told you that whenever one talks of people with more children, the inference is they are Muslims? Why are you so unjust towards Muslims? This is the situation in poor families too. Where there is poverty, there are more children, irrespective of their social circle. I didn't mention either Hindu or Muslim. I have said that one should have as many children as you can take care of. Don't let a situation arise where the government has to take care of your children," the Prime Minister said on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: 'BJP Has Crossed Majority Mark In Four Phases Of Lok Sabha Election: Amit Shah | Jagran Exclusive
Referring to his personal experiences, PM Modi recalled growing up in a diverse environment where festivals of all religions were celebrated. Meanwhile, he criticised the attempts to tarnish his image based on religious biases and stressed his longstanding relationships with Muslim friends and neighbours. "I grew up in that world. Even today, many of my friends are Muslims. After 2002 (Godhra), my image was tarnished," he added.
When asked about Muslim voters' support, PM Modi reiterated his belief in garnering support from all sections of society and reaffirmed that he won't do caste-based politics. He emphasised his dedication to inclusive governance and rejected any attempts to sow division along religious lines.
"The day I start doing Hindu-Muslims, I won't be entitled to live in the public domain. I won't do Hindu-Muslim. This is my pledge," PM Modi said. Recently, in a public rally in Rajasthan, the prime minister alleged that Congress wants to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among "those having more children."
PM Modi, seeking re-election from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, filed his nomination papers, aiming for a third consecutive term. The constituency is set to vote in the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1, with results announced on June 4.