Congress alleges PM Modi's ‘wealth to Muslims’ jab is ‘hate speech’. Here's what the MCC say about this offence?

Congress President condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Sunday as ‘hate speech’ and a ‘well-thought-out ploy’ to divert people’s attention during the ongoing Lok Sabha 2024 elections.

During his , PM Modi claimed that the Congress manifesto talks about taking stock of “the gold of mothers and sisters" and distributing that wealth, adding that the then Manmohan Singh government had said Muslims had the first right to the country’s assets. 

“Earlier, when their (Congress) government was in power, they had said that Muslims have the first right on the country's assets. This means to whom will this property be distributed? It will be distributed among those who have more children. It will be distributed to the infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money go to the infiltrators? Do you approve of this?" the PM asked at the rally. 

The speech sparked a row with opposition leaders accusing the Prime Minister of lowering the dignity of his office. “No Prime Minister in the history of India has lowered the dignity of his office as much as Modi." Kharge said.

Sources said the Congress party could approach the to draw its attention to PM Modi’s comments.

But what is hate speech, and what does the election model code of conduct (MCC) deal with it?

The or MCC, is a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections. The rules cover issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, and general conduct to ensure that free and fair elections are held.

The Code comes into effect on the day election dates are announced. In the present election season, the MCC came into force on March 16, when the poll panel announced the Lok Sabha polls.

There is no legal definition of hate speech