Indian politicians are often accused of using hate or intimidation to win support of the electorate. Soliciting votes on religious lines or threatening voters is prohibited.
A video showed women and child welfare minister Maneka Gandhi, widow of former politician Sanjay Gandhi, warning a gathering of Muslim community members to vote for her or be shunned if she returns to power.
“I am winning with the help of the people. But if my victory comes without the support of Muslims, then I will not feel good,” Gandhi told a gathering during a campaign rally on Friday.
“It will leave a bitter taste. And then when a Muslim comes for any work, then I will think let it be.”
Her comments sparked outrage online and demands for action by the opposition Congress party — headed by her former husband’s nephew Rahul Gandhi — as local election authorities told her to explain her comments.
Bollywood actor Swara Bhaskar on Twitter slammed what she said as an open “threat to Muslims and unconstitutional” and demanded criminal action against the minister.
