'PM Narendra Modi's Clothes Remark Aimed at Demonising Muslims and Assam Citizens': Activist Tehseen Poonawalla Files Complaint With EC
Modi, while addressing an election rally in Jharkhand's Dumka constituency on Sunday, stoked a row by claiming that those attempting to spread violence over the citizenship law can be identified by their clothes. His remarks, the Opposition claimed, were targeting the Muslim community -- a section of which sees the CAA-NRC project as a ploy to turn them "stateless".
New Delhi, December 17: Activist Tehseen Poonawalla filed a complaint with the Election Commission on Tuesday against the alleged communal remarks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Jharkhand poll campaign trail. Poonawalla, in his complaint, referred to Modi's "clothes" remark on those protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Mamata Banerjee Hits Back at Narendra Modi Over Attire Remark, Says ‘Clothes Don’t Determine Views’.
Poonawalla demanded the Election Commission to act against Modi, claiming that Prime Minister has prima facie violated the Model Code of Conduct. His remarks, alleged the political analyst, was aimed at "demonising" a section of Muslims and citizens of Assam who have rose up in protest against the amended citizenship law.
"I have filed a complaint against our @PMOIndia shri @narendramodi ji for the words he used in a rally in DUMKA Jharkhand: "Unke Kapdo se pata chal jata hain!" This is an attempt at demonizing #Assam & Muslims citizens. @ECISVEEP must act against the hon PM (sic)," Poonawalla said in a tweet, in which he tagged the social media handles of Prime Minister's Office and Election Commission of India.
See Tehseen Poonawalla's Tweet
Modi, while addressing an election rally in Jharkhand's Dumka constituency on Sunday, stoked a row by claiming that those attempting to spread violence over the citizenship law can be identified by their clothes. His remarks, the Opposition claimed, were targeting the Muslim community -- a section of which sees the CAA-NRC project as a ploy to turn them "stateless".
"People who are setting fire (to property) can be seen on TV... They can be identified by the clothes they are wearing," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Modi's clothes remarks drew flak from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Trinamool Congress leader, while addressing a rally earlier today, said the Centre is attempting to divert the nation's attention by dividing people on the basis of their clothes. "Miscreants and commoners cannot be differentiated on the basis of attire or food habits. Clothes do not determine a person's political views," she said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 17, 2019 11:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).