Modi vitiating poll atmosphere, says Opposition

New Delhi: The Congress and the CPM on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of vitiating the atmosphere to polarise the society in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

The Prime Minister, in his election rally in Fatehpur on Sunday, had demanded that if graveyards are being built, crematoriums should also be built. He also added that if electricity is being ensured in the month of Ramzan, then it should also be made available during Diwali.

The statement made by the Prime Minister in the election fervor has not gone down well with the opposition parties. Congress Spokesperson Anand Sharma said “Our Constitution does not allow anyone to divide the nation, be it on caste or religion basis. The Prime Minister is not above the Constitution or the law. We expect the Election Commission to take appropriate action on this.” He further added that the Election Commission has given strict directions not to evoke passion and divide the society on the basis of religion or caste, and it is expected of the EC that it issues a notice to the Prime Minister and the BJP.

While CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said “It is a straightforward appeal, an effort for communal polarisation. The talk about kabristan (graveyard) and cremation, Holi and Eid, Diwali and Ramzan...The counter- posing (of these words) itself is an appeal to communal sentiments.” He went on to add that on one hand these ‘fork tongued’ speeches are being made on the other there is talk of development.

Both Congress and CPM accused BJP of polarising the society to reap political benefits as it was staring at defeat in the UP Assembly polls, voting in the fourth phase of which is scheduled for Thursday.