In his first comment on the murder of a Muslim man, the Prime Minister of India has called for Hindus and Muslims to stop fighting each other and unite in fighting poverty.
Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Bihar, was speaking eight days after Mohammad Akhlaq was beaten to death in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, by a mob that claimed in had stored and eaten beef. His son, aged 22, was also beaten and seriously injured.
Hindus believe cows are sacred and as a result the slaughter of cattle is banned in some states in India. Modi's nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party wants cattle slaughter banned nationwide. Modi has been criticised for failing to speak out and condemn the murder.
The Hindu reported: "I have said it earlier too. Hindus should decide whether to fight Muslims or poverty. Muslims have to decide whether to fight Hindus or poverty. Both need to fight poverty together. The country has to stay united, communal harmony and brotherhood will take the nation forward. People should ignore controversial statements made by politicians, as they are doing so for political gains."
Former Union Minister Ratanjit Singh said: "The Prime Minister should come forward and speak on it, instead of just condemning it and giving it new twists."
At earlier rallies Modi condemned Lalu Prasad, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal Party, for claiming that some Hindus did consume beef.
Modi said Prasad should not be absolved of his "beef remark" even though he had claimed that it was the "devil" that had made him say it.
"I want to know how the shaitan got his address. He recognises that it was the shaitan, just as people recognise their relatives," Modi said.
