Kolkata/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday revived the "vote jihad" remark, which has been made by Congress leader Salman Khurshid's niece and Samajwadi Party leader Maria Alam, while campaigning in West Bengal.

Speaking at a rally in Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency, Modi said, "Knee-deep in their policy of appeasement, TMC has dehumanised people. Now, they openly speak of ‘Vote Jihad’.

"Not a single Opposition leader has condemned the statement because they all agree to it. We can not let them win. We must fight against this."

Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Farrukhabad, Alam had given a "vote jihad" call.

Alam had said "vote jihad" is the sole way to oust the existing government.

Training guns at the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Left on the issue, Modi said, "In our country, this game of vote jihad was going on behind the scenes, silently, for decades. For the first time, they have become so desperate and frustrated that they are now publicly announcing vote jihad.

"That is why the royal family of Congress, the TMC and Left are silent on this appeal of vote jihad. This means that every single member of INDI Alliance agrees with vote jihad."

Cases have been filed against Alam as well as Khurshid, who was also present at the event where the SP leader made the remark.

Claiming Alam's remark was misinterpreted, Khurshid said as quoted by NDTV, "Jihad means to fight against a situation. Her intention must have been to carry out vote jihad to protect the Constitution."