By Dr. M Qutubuddin
With a profound sense of disappointment and heaviness in my heart, I write to express my dismay regarding your recent inflammatory remarks about Muslims during an election campaign. Your words, spoken just two days ago in Banswara, Rajasthan, have elicited outrage and deep concern among citizens globally. As an Indian American, I feel a sense of shame and disappointment in your actions, which have caused our heads to hang low.
When we come to America and become American citizens within five years, we are granted all the rights and privileges entitled to an American citizen. Yet, you address 200 million Muslims in India who have been living there for centuries as intruders. This is truly shameful, Mr. Modi.
As the leader of the world’s largest democracy, it is crucial that you uphold values of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all communities. However, your divisive rhetoric not only contradicts these principles but also amplifies existing tensions, creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust.
It is alarming that in a diverse and pluralistic country like India, you would resort to such divisive tactics for political gain. Your words have the potential to stoke communal tensions, sow discord, and endanger the safety of millions of our fellow citizens.
Moreover, your remarks are not only inflammatory but also unfounded and discriminatory. They perpetuate harmful stereotypes, unfairly target an entire community, and contribute to the marginalization of Muslims in our society.
As a leader entrusted with safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens, it is imperative that you apologize for your hurtful remarks and unequivocally denounce any form of discrimination or prejudice.
I urge you to reflect on the consequences of your words and exhibit genuine leadership by promoting harmony, understanding, and unity among all segments of society. The future of our nation depends on our ability to embrace diversity and uphold principles of equality and justice for all.