NEW DELHI: The BJP falsely claimed that the ‘Association of Sunni Muslims’ in Dubai had announced financial support, including ticket booking and reimbursement for already booked tickets, for Muslims participating in the Indian election in Karnataka. This misleading assertion was a calculated political move to defame the Indian National Congress as anti-state. During the recently concluded Indian general elections, the BJP extensively utilized the Pakistan and Muslim card as a political strategy. False claims implicating Muslims and Pakistan were prominently employed by the BJP against the Indian National Congress. This tactic highlights the divisive nature of political discourse and underscores the importance of fostering inclusive and responsible political dialogue. Indian Congress has historically aimed to represent diverse interests across India. Despite criticisms, many of Congress’s policies and initiatives have sought to promote inclusivity and ensure representation of various communities. The party has often promoted cultural diversity and heritage through various policies and programs, supporting cultural preservation and encouraging regional traditions and languages.
Congress’s economic policies have historically focused on broad-based economic growth and poverty alleviation. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Indira Awaas Yojana (now PMAY) uplift rural areas and provide housing for the poor, irrespective of religion. BJP has claimed that Congress is supported by wealthy Muslims from Pakistan and the Middle East. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Congress is funded by wealthy Muslims from Pakistan or the Middle East. These allegations often arise from political rhetoric rather than substantiated facts.
Legal experts also rejected the claim of BJP and said that all political parties in India, including Congress, are subject to strict financial regulations and scrutiny by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Foreign funding is illegal under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), and there have been no proven violations by Congress in this regard.
Similarly, Hindu extremist BJP portrays Itself as the sole Guardian of Indian interests and culture, however, many experts and analysts said that BJP is responsible for the extreme polarization in the society. However, Congress played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement and subsequent nation-building efforts. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel were instrumental in shaping a secular, democratic India. The Sachar Committee, appointed by a Congress-led government, provided an objective analysis of the socio-economic status of Muslims in India. Its recommendations aimed at improving the conditions of Muslims were part of a broader strategy for inclusive growth, not preferential treatment.
The BJP’s empty claims about Congress distributing national wealth exclusively to Muslims and being supported by foreign Muslim entities lack factual basis. The Indian National Congress has a long history of promoting inclusive growth, secularism, and national unity. It is essential to scrutinize political rhetoric critically and rely on verified information and historical context when evaluating such claims.
Experts said that such tactics are a dangerous trend for democracy, as the opposition serves as a crucial watchdog and should not be unfairly portrayed as anti-state. This fake claim also undermines the Muslim minority, which is already politically and socially marginalized in India.
