Congress Leader Rashid Alvi Accuses Modi Government of Systematic Discrimination Against Muslims and Policy Failures

Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi has launched a strong and wide-ranging criticism of the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, accusing it of targeting India’s Muslim population through discriminatory laws, neglecting pressing national issues, and failing on multiple fronts—from the economy to social justice and governance.

Speaking to media representatives at a press conference in New Delhi, Alvi expressed deep concern over what he described as a consistent and deliberate effort by the current government to marginalize Muslims and polarize the nation along religious lines. He argued that the central government’s actions were not only unconstitutional but were also weakening the secular fabric of the country.

“I say this with great sorrow,” Alvi remarked. “Whether it is the triple talaq law, the amendments to Waqf properties, or the atmosphere of suspicion created around Muslim identity—this government is doing everything in its power that goes against the interests of Muslims in this country.”

Alvi highlighted several pieces of legislation and policy decisions that he said clearly demonstrate the Modi government’s intention to isolate the Muslim community. He referenced the controversial triple talaq law, which criminalized a civil practice within the Muslim community and, according to critics, sought to penalize Muslim men disproportionately under the guise of women’s rights.

He also took issue with recent changes to the Waqf Act, which governs religious endowments for Muslims. These changes, he said, have led to increasing government control over Waqf properties and have stoked fears that the assets meant for religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community could be seized or mismanaged.

Alvi accused the government of fostering a climate of fear and alienation for Indian Muslims through these targeted moves, while at the same time failing to address genuine issues faced by all Indians regardless of religion.

Turning to the state of the economy, Alvi offered a blistering critique of the BJP’s financial policies. He described the 2016 demonetisation exercise as one of the most “ill-conceived and devastating” decisions in India’s recent economic history. The move, which saw the overnight invalidation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes, was intended to curb black money and terrorism financing. However, according to Alvi, it ended up causing widespread suffering among common citizens, with little to show in terms of its original objectives.

“During demonetisation, ordinary people were made to suffer—millions stood for hours in long queues in the scorching heat, and many even lost their lives waiting outside banks. And what was the outcome? Did it really eliminate black money? The answer is a resounding no,” he asserted.

He further added that economic policies under Modi have failed to control skyrocketing inflation, stabilize fuel prices, or generate sufficient employment. The gap between the rich and poor, he said, has widened dangerously under this administration.

In a strong rebuke of the government’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir, Alvi denounced the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the special status of the region. While the Modi government has repeatedly claimed that the move was necessary to fully integrate Kashmir with the rest of India and to promote development, Alvi countered that the region remains heavily militarized and politically suppressed.

“You sent 8 lakh soldiers into Jammu and Kashmir, detained political leaders, restricted movement, shut down the internet, but what have you achieved for the people?” he questioned. “Has there been job creation? Has inflation come down? Has there been an increase in investment or opportunities for the youth of the region? Unfortunately, the answer is no.”

He pointed out that the Centre’s approach to Kashmir has been security-centric rather than development-oriented, with little regard for democratic processes or the civil liberties of the local population.

Alvi also addressed the farmers’ protests, which lasted nearly two years and represented one of the largest sustained mass mobilizations in India’s post-independence history. Farmers from across the country, particularly from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, had protested against three farm laws they believed would dismantle the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system and leave them vulnerable to exploitation by large corporations.

Despite this overwhelming dissent, Alvi said, the government refused to listen until the situation became politically untenable.

“It took the government two years of protests, hundreds of deaths, and sustained pressure from opposition parties and civil society before they repealed the laws. Why wasn’t there any willingness to consult farmers before passing such critical legislation?” he asked.

Alvi added that while the government celebrates its international image and infrastructure achievements, essential items like fuel and cooking gas have become unaffordable for many Indians. He called attention to the rising cost of living, accusing the government of prioritizing optics over substantive relief for the average citizen.

Rashid Alvi concluded his remarks by calling for a return to constitutional values, urging the public to resist communal polarisation and demand greater transparency and accountability from the government. He emphasized that a nation as diverse as India cannot progress if it alienates significant sections of its population.

“India belongs to all—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, Adivasis, and every other community. But what we are witnessing today is an assault on that very idea. The government must be reminded that they are accountable to the people—not just to their vote banks or party ideologues.”

Alvi’s statements come amid growing discontent across various segments of Indian society, including students, farmers, minority communities, and unemployed youth, many of whom are raising concerns over authoritarian tendencies, curbing of dissent, and institutional weakening.

With the 2025 Lok Sabha elections not far off, Alvi’s remarks signal a renewed effort by the Congress and other opposition parties to reconnect with the electorate by foregrounding issues of governance, inclusivity, and economic justice. Political observers believe that such outspoken criticism may form the backbone of a broader campaign strategy aimed at uniting the opposition around shared concerns over the Modi government’s track record.

Whether such criticisms will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen. However, voices like Rashid Alvi’s are likely to gain more visibility as the political temperature rises in the coming months.