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27 Jul, 2014

Modi under fire for silence over communal controversies | The Indian Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing criticism for remaining silent about incidents deemed anti-Muslim in the past week, underscoring fears that his followers will upset religious relations in the multi-faith nation.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to power in May after an election campaign that mainly focused on promises to revive the economy but that also made reference to country’s majority Hindu identity.

Footage emerged this week of Shiv Sena trying to force food into the mouth of a Muslim caterer. Separately, a BJP politician questioned the national identity of tennis player Sania Mirza, while an ally of the prime minister said India could become a Hindu nation under Modi.

Several commentators said Modi’s failure to speak out about the incidents risked encouraging aggressive behaviour by fringe elements of his party and related organisations.

Read the rest: Prime Minister Narendra Modi under fire for silence over communal controversies | The Indian Express.