By Muslim Mirror Desk
M.H. Jawahirullah, the President of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) and MLA of Papanasam Constituency, has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding a hate speech delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in Banswara, Rajasthan, on 21st February 2024.
In his complaint addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioners, and Chief Electoral Officer of Rajasthan, Jawahirullah highlighted the violation of electoral norms and the incitement of communal discord in Modi’s speech. He referred to specific provisions of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, which prohibit appeals based on religion, race, caste, or community during election campaigns.
The complaint outlined key points:
- Independence of Electoral Authorities: Jawahirullah emphasized the constitutional mandate for the Election Commission to function independently and without bias, akin to the judiciary, to ensure free and fair elections.
- Legislation Against Hate Speech: The complaint cited provisions of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, which classify appeals on religious lines and promotion of enmity between citizens based on religion as corrupt practices and electoral offences.
- Supreme Court’s Directive: It referenced the Supreme Court’s stance on maintaining the secular ethos of Indian politics and preventing electoral gains based on religious sentiments.
- ECI’s Prior Warning: Jawahirullah reminded the Election Commission’s previous directives regarding hate speeches and violence during elections, underscoring the need for a campaign based on issues and a zero-tolerance policy towards hate speeches.
- Modi’s Hate Speech: The complaint detailed Modi’s statements during the Banswara rally, where he allegedly misrepresented former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remarks to stoke fear and communal tensions, thereby violating electoral norms and fostering divisiveness.
- Global Coverage: It noted the international media coverage of Modi’s speech and the public outcry, including over 17,000 Indian citizens raising concerns about the hate speech.
- Call for Action: Jawahirullah urged the Election Commission to take immediate action against Modi, including disqualification and a ban on his election campaign, along with filing an FIR for hate speech and disrupting communal harmony.
The complaint concluded with a plea for the Election Commission to uphold democratic values, ensure the purity of elections, and inform about the actions taken against Modi in response to the complaint.
This formal complaint by TMMK’s President underscores the growing concern over inflammatory rhetoric in political campaigns and the demand for accountability from electoral authorities in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.