UP Election 2017: Congress to file complaint with EC against Narendra Modi over graveyard remark

The Congress has decided to lodge an official complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his alleged communal remark at the Fatehpur rally in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. At the Fatehpur rally, Modi had said that if land is donated for cemetery in a village, it should be given for a cremation ground as well, and if electricity is being supplied to certain areas during Ramzan, then it should be supplied during Diwali too.[caption id="attachment_3284928" align="alignleft" width="380"]

File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AP[/caption]According to India Today, KC Mittal, party secretary of legal and human rights cell, said that such comments are unwarranted and the prime minister is trying to communalise the atmosphere for his political gains. Mittal also said that Modi is bringing disrepute to his post as well.Other Opposition parties, says a Times of India report, like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the CPM have also criticised him for making 'irresponsible' and 'communal' comments. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury also attacked Modi's comments saying they were communal and "intended to divide Hindus and Muslims"."The Prime Minister, true to his form, is vitiating the atmosphere during election time," Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters here."He has tried to stir communal tensions and polarise the society. His speech on graveyard and crematoria, shows his mindset," the Congress leader said.Sharma's remarks came a day after Modi addressed a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur accusing the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government of playing politics of discrimination.He also said that this was while his flagship schemes were benefiting all irrespective of their caste and religion.The New Indian Express reports that Modi's comments were aimed at asserting that the public should not be divided on caste and religious lines, he further stated that “sabka sath, sabka vikas” is his government’s mantra. The prime minister went on to say that the Samajwadi Party has promoted discrimination which is not the BJP's agenda.According to The Indian Express just after the comment criticisms poured in from the opposition political parties and citizens on social media against the prime minister's 'communal tactics’.The controversial statement comes right after the third phase of Assembly elections which was underway in 69 seats across 12 of the state's districts.