3 July 2024: Renowned economist and Nobel Laureate Prof. Amartya Sen, in an interview with Karan Thapar for The Wire, strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his derogatory remarks towards Muslim citizens of India. Sen urged Modi to issue an apology for labeling Muslims as ‘infiltrators’, describing the Prime Minister’s comments as deeply offensive and indicative of a narrow-minded perspective. Sen emphasized the significance of respecting India’s diverse population and expressed serious concerns about Modi’s understanding of the country’s pluralistic ethos.
The controversy stems from a campaign rally speech delivered by PM Modi in Banswara, Rajasthan, during the Lok Sabha election campaign. In his speech, Modi distorted a statement attributed to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, falsely claiming Singh advocated for Muslims having the first right to the nation’s wealth, which Modi linked to an alleged support for ‘infiltrators’. Sen characterized Modi’s rhetoric as inflammatory, suggesting it contributed to a broader pattern of divisive electioneering by the BJP.
Sen also commented on the electoral implications, interpreting the recent election outcomes as a rejection of the BJP’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation. He underscored the importance of inclusive governance and respectful discourse in fostering national unity.
