Congress claim on Muslims' first right to wealth favours those with more children: PM Modi

PM Modi's reference was directed towards former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's contentious statement in 2006 regarding the supposed "first claim" of the Muslim community on the country's resources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 21, asserted that if the Congress were to win power, it might redistribute wealth to Muslims, referencing a statement by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding the minority community's priority access to the country's resources.

"Previously, during the tenure of the Congress government, they stated that Muslims hold the primary claim over the nation's assets. This implies that such property distribution would benefit those with larger families and potentially infiltrators. Do you agree that your earnings should support infiltrators?", said the Prime Minister while addressing an election rally in Rajasthan.

"The Congress manifesto allegedly outlines plans to assess the gold holdings of our mothers and sisters, gather information about it, and distribute the property. This distribution would prioritise Muslims", PM Modi further stated.

PM Modi's reference was directed towards former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's contentious statement in 2006 regarding the supposed "first claim" of the Muslim community on the country's resources.

PM Modi also slammed the Congress for neglecting the welfare of tribal communities, alleging that the party failed to appoint a single individual from the Adivasi community as President of the country during its 60-year tenure.

"Did the tribals lack capability? Take a look at the mindset of the Congress. However, in 2014, you bestowed your blessings upon us... and now, a tribal daughter holds the esteemed position of the country's president. This exemplifies genuine participation. This embodies the essence of the Constitution gifted to us by Babasaheb," the Prime Minister stated while addressing a public rally in Banswara in support of BJP's Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya.

He alleged that the Congress has consistently instilled fear among the Dalits, tribals, and minorities and is presently disseminating falsehoods about democracy, the Constitution, and reservation to intimidate them.

"The country has moved beyond the grip of fear, which is why their deceitful tactics are no longer effective. In states with significant tribal populations, the Congress either lacks power or occupies third or fourth place... There is palpable discontent among the tribal population, and there are substantial reasons behind it," said PM Modi.

Jalore and Banswara are two of the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Rajasthan scheduled to go to the polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26. The remaining 12 constituencies in the state have already voted in the first phase on April 19.