Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed allegations against his government, emphasising that Indian society harbours no discriminatory feelings towards any religious minority. In a rare interview, Modi asserted that an entire ecosystem is leveraging freedom in the country to level accusations through various mediums. When questioned about the future of India’s 200 million-strong Muslim minority, Modi did not explicitly reference them. Instead, he pointed to the economic success of India’s Parsees, describing them as a “religious micro-minority residing in India.” He highlighted their positive experience, despite persecution elsewhere in the world, as evidence that Indian society does not harbour discrimination towards any religious minority.
The interview noted the proliferation of anti-Muslim hate speech under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule, which lacks Muslim ministers. Critics have accused Modi’s government of suppressing rivals, restricting civil society, and discriminating against the Muslim minority. When asked about the alleged crackdown on his critics, Modi responded with laughter, emphasising that critics have the right to make allegations, and others have an equal right to respond with facts.
Modi drew parallels with outsiders’ historical underestimation of India, recalling dire predictions made by the departing British in 1947. He highlighted that such predictions and preconceptions about India’s future have consistently been false. Modi expressed confidence that those doubting his government’s actions will also be proven wrong over time.
This response reflects Modi’s stance on allegations against his government and emphasises his belief in India’s resilience and ability to overcome scepticism. The interview provides insights into Modi’s perspective on the criticism his government faces, showcasing his confidence in the nation’s trajectory and his administration’s ability to refute detractors over time.