Rupam Jain

MUMBAI (Reuters – Indian leaders of the Hindu nationalist party instructed their staff to remain “extremely careful” in discussing religions on public platforms. The directive came after offensive remarks regarding Prophet Mohammad drew protests by Islamic countries.

India’s Muslim minorities have been under greater pressure from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party to respect freedom of worship, hijab head scarfs and other aspects. Following the 2019-20 riots, there were violent clashes among Hindu-Muslims at religious processions.

Two BJP leaders claimed that the verbal instructions were sent to more than 30 top officials and federal ministers, who have been authorized to participate in Indian news channel debates. These are often broadcast live to millions.

According to a top BJP leader and federal minister, New Delhi: “We don’t want party representatives speaking in a way which hurts any religious sentiments… They must ensure that the party’s doctrine is shared in a sophisticated fashion.”

With 110 million members, mainly Hindus and Muslims, the BJP ranks as the largest political party in the world. Muslims account for around 13% to India’s 1.35 Billion population.

After Islamic countries demanded apologies by the Indian government, the BJP expelled the spokesperson and summoned diplomats in protest at anti-Islamic comments made during a television debate.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman were some of the countries that reported their concerns.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a powerful 57 member organisation, said that the insults occurred in the context of an increasing atmosphere of hate toward Islam in India as well as systematic harassment of Muslims.

Modi’s party denies any increase in communal tensions under his rule, but BJP rule in recent years has given a boost to hardline Hindu groups, allowing them to defend their faith and provoking anti-Muslim sentiment.

According to the U.S. State Department’s annual report, which was released in June on international religious freedom, attacks on Indian minority members, such as killings or assaults, occurred in India from 2021.

India’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that the comments and tweets were not intended to reflect government views.

Gopal Krishna Agarwal, senior spokesperson for BJP said that while it is not prohibited to speak on sensitive issues of religion, we should never offend the fundamental tenets any religion holds dear.

Modi’s recent economic ties have improved with oil-rich Islamic states, India’s main source of fuel imports. But, experts say that relations are under pressure from anti-Islamic utterances by two BJP members.

In parts of India, protests were small scale and Muslim groups demanded arrest for the suspended BJP spokeswoman.