Should the Election Commission debar Narendra Modi from elections?

Should Prime Minister Narendra Modi be debarred from contesting an election? The question gained currency on Monday after Prime Minister Modi, while addressing an election rally at Wardha in Maharashtra, claimed that Hindus would teach the Congress a fitting lesson for allegedly disrespecting the community.

The Prime Minister’s logic was that it was the Congress led UPA Government which insulted the Hindu community by coining the phrase ‘Hindu Terror’. A peace loving community known for brotherhood and harmony, the Prime Minister claimed, had been tarnished by association with terror.

He went on to refer to Congress President Rahul Gandhi contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha election from Wayanad in Kerala. “Rahul Gandhi is contesting from a seat that is Hindu minority because they (Congress) are scared of Hindu anger,” the PM was quoted as saying.

The term ‘Saffron Terror’ was not only confirmed and used by the then Union Home Secretary and present union minister R K Singh but also by the late chief of Maharashtra’s Anti Terrorist Squad, Hemant Karkare.

The PM’s comment also invited ridicule because barely three months ago Congress had won the assembly election in three states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh—all of which are Hindu majority states.

The comment evoked instant outrage on Twitter with many users wondering if the Election Commission would overlook this gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct. If the PM’s statement does not amount to blatant use of religion to polarise voters, they asked, what is ?

Isn’t Wyanad in India, wondered a Twitter user, surprised by the PM’s reasoning.

The comment also triggered comments that Narendra Modi is probably the first Prime Minister of any country to stoop so low and canvass support on the basis of religion. On social media people were quick to point out that this showed a degree of desperation that people were not aware of.