India opposition criticises Modi for 'hate speech'
His remarks were widely seen as referring to India’s Muslim minority.
The Congress party has rejected the claim, which came days after the general election began.
Mr Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has often been accused of singling out India’s minority communities, especially Muslims.
Rights groups say that they face discrimination and attacks, and have been forced to live as “second-class” citizens under Mr Modi’s rule – an allegation the BJP denies.
The first of seven phases in the general election was held on 19 April. Results will be declared on 4 June.
Mr Modi made the comments on Sunday during an election rally in Rajasthan state, when he was talking about the Congress party’s manifesto.
He alleged that the manifesto said it would “take stock” of the gold women traditionally save in India and redistribute it.
