During a recent campaign rally in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stirred controversy by accusing the Congress party of intending to redistribute wealth, including property, land, and gold, specifically to Muslims if elected to power. Modi’s claims, made during his address in Banswara, Rajasthan, on April 21, 2024, targeted the Congress’ manifesto promises and past policies.
Modi’s speech
According to Modi, the Congress, through its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, proposed a redistribution of wealth, citing a supposed statement by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about Muslims having the “first right” to the nation’s resources. Modi’s assertions prompted a fact-check to scrutinize the accuracy of his claims.
Manmohan Singh’s Statement
The fact-check revealed that Manmohan Singh’s statement, often cited by Modi, was made during the 52nd meeting of the National Development Council in December 2006. Singh stressed the need to prioritize plans and schemes for the upliftment of marginalized communities, including minorities, but did not explicitly state that Muslims have the “first claim” to resources. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had issued a clarification regarding the misinterpretation of Singh’s statement, emphasizing its focus on equitable development for all marginalized groups.
Congress’ Manifesto Analysis
Further investigation into the Congress’ 2024 manifesto, titled ‘Nyay Patra,’ revealed discrepancies in Modi’s claims. While the manifesto addresses income inequality and proposes policies to uplift economically weaker sections, there is no mention of surveying or redistributing gold or wealth to specific religious or demographic groups. The manifesto focuses on empowering minorities through measures such as institutional credit without discrimination and conducting socio-economic and caste census to inform affirmative action plans.
Demographic Insights
Modi’s insinuation about wealth redistribution based on demographics, particularly regarding Muslim families’ fertility rates, was scrutinized against data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). While Muslim women indeed have marginally higher fertility rates compared to Hindu women, the overall difference is not substantial. The data highlights a nuanced picture, with both Muslim and Hindu communities showing varying levels of family planning practices.
The scrutiny of Prime Minister Modi’s claims reveals a misinterpretation of Manmohan Singh’s statement and inaccuracies regarding the Congress’ manifesto intentions. The fact-check underscores the importance of verifying political assertions and understanding the nuances of policy proposals before forming opinions. In the midst of electoral campaigns, ensuring factual accuracy is essential to facilitate informed decision-making among voters.
