25 Apr. 24: Students in Kochi, Kerala, organized a protest march on Wednesday led by the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statements perceived as targeting the Muslim community during a campaign event in Rajasthan. The demonstrators, comprising students, raised fervent slogans demanding accountability from the Prime Minister.
Carrying bamboo torches and a prominent banner urging action against hate speech, the protesters vocally condemned Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) throughout the demonstration.
The controversy stemmed from Modi’s speech in Banswara, Rajasthan, where he insinuated that if the Congress party were to assume power, it would allocate wealth to Muslims. Modi’s remarks were interpreted as an attempt to stoke religious tensions by framing Muslims as undeserving recipients of public resources.
In response to the outcry sparked by Modi’s speech, opposition figures swiftly criticized the Prime Minister’s rhetoric, labeling it divisive and discriminatory. Some leaders have urged citizens to escalate their concerns to the Election Commission of India.
The protest in Kochi highlights the growing political polarization in the run-up to the general elections, with activists and students voicing their dissent against what they perceive as inflammatory rhetoric targeting specific communities.
