Srinagar: The ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has said that the party will remove every single infiltrator from the country except Sikhs, Buddhists and Hindus.

“We will ensure implementation of NRC in the entire country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country, except Buddha, Hindus and Sikhs,” BJP President Amit Shah stated during an election rally at West Bengal on Thursday.

We will ensure implementation of NRC in the entire country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country, except Buddha, Hindus and Sikhs: Shri @AmitShah #NaMoForNewIndia

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 11, 2019

The comments made  by Shah drew sharp criticism since it was felt that the statement was directed against Muslims.

“The head of India’s ruling party, speaking in West Bengal, is not exactly making a pitch for pluralism and tolerance on the first day of elections. Quite the tone to set. My goodness,” wrote senior associate at Wilson Center, Michel Kugleman.

The head of India's ruling party, speaking in West Bengal, is not exactly making a pitch for pluralism and tolerance on the first day of elections. Quite the tone to set. My goodness. https://t.co/R1buTbGg4X

— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) April 11, 2019