On Saturday, leaders from the INDIA bloc criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks, accusing the Opposition of pandering to the Muslim vote bank by engaging in “enslavement” and performing “mujra.”
In a series of speeches delivered in the Karakat and Patliputra constituencies of Bihar, Prime Minister Modi commented, “Bihar has always been at the forefront of the social justice movement. Today, I want to assure you all that I am committed to thwarting the INDIA bloc’s attempts to undermine the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs by reallocating these privileges to Muslims. It seems they are willing to stoop to the level of enslavement and perform ‘mujra’ to appease their vote bank.”
Mujra is a dance form with roots in the Mughal era of the Indian subcontinent.
The Opposition’s Response
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera responded to Modi’s statements in a post on X, expressing his dismay in Hindi: “Hearing the term ‘Mujra’ from our Prime Minister today was unexpected. What could be the reason behind such thoughts? It’s high time Amit Shah and JP Nadda consider getting him help. The heat from his numerous speeches has taken a toll on him.
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale also took issue with Modi’s choice of words, saying, “From championing ‘Naari Shakti’, to now resorting to terms like ‘mujra’.”
Gokhale added on X, “After a decade of PR efforts and image management, Modi’s true colors are showing. This kind of language is unacceptable.”
He also expressed concern over Modi’s rhetoric on international platforms: “It’s alarming to think of what he might say on his trips abroad as PM.
RJD’s Manoj Jha expressed his concern for Modi’s wellbeing, stating, “It’s not just about disagreement anymore; it’s genuinely worrying. He seems to be caught in a grandiose delusion. Talking about ‘fish’, mutton, ‘mangalsutra’, and ‘mujra’… Is this befitting of a Prime Minister?” as reported by PTI
Shiv Sena (UBT) ‘s Priyanka Chaturvedi shared a clip of Modi’s speech with the caption, “Get well soon, Modi ji.”
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chaand commented on the timing of Modi’s remarks, “As the sixth phase of polling is underway and campaigning for the next phase continues, it’s clear the BJP is desperate. They’ve resorted to talking about ‘mujra’ now, having no real answers for the public’s questions. They aim to mislead, but the people are aware and will support us in the elections, ensuring the INDIA bloc’s victory.”
Further Allegations by PM Modi:-
Prime Minister Modi also criticized the Opposition for their alleged derogatory remarks towards Bihar’s migrants by leaders from the Congress in Punjab and Telangana and the DMK and TMC in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, respectively. He claimed, “These RJD folks who are busy with their ‘mujra’ using their lantern symbol lack the courage to protest these insults.”
He accused the Opposition of relying on the support of those engaging in “vote jihad”, referencing a Calcutta High Court ruling against the West Bengal government’s attempt to classify certain Muslim groups as OBCs.
Modi further alleged that the Opposition plans to amend the Constitution if they come to power to ensure reservations can be redirected to Muslims, a claim he says they have not refuted because they know it to be true.
He highlighted the potential loss of rights for several communities, including the traditionally RJD-supporting Yadavs, should the INDIA bloc’s alleged plans come to fruition.
However, Modi remained confident of his coalition’s victory, humorously predicting that upon the announcement of the election results on June 04, members of the RJD and Congress would be at odds, with the Congress leadership likely to place the blame on Mallikarjun Kharge before taking a vacation abroad.
Modi also mocked the INDIA bloc’s early predictions of election outcomes, quipping that their next move might be to question the reliability of EVMs.