New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have been accused of inciting communal discord and hatred through their election rally speeches, according to complaints filed with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Bengaluru-based civil rights group, Law and Policy Research Institute (LPRI), submitted the complaints the other day, stating that statements made by Modi and Adityanath violate the Model Code of Conduct, the Representation of the People Act, and the Indian Penal Code.
The complaints focus on speeches delivered by Modi in New Delhi on May 18 and by Adityanath in Phulpur on May 19. Key excerpts from Modi’s speech, as cited in the complaint, include accusations that the Congress manifesto was influenced by the Muslim League and aimed to divide government contracts, team selections, and the national budget along religious lines. Modi also suggested that Muslims would engage in “vote jihad” in exchange for properties from the Waqf Board.
Adityanath’s speech in Phulpur described the election as a battle between “Ram Bhakts” (devotees of Ram) and “Ram Drohis” (betrayers of Ram), labeling the opposition as anti-national traitors and likening them to Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor known for his controversial policies towards Hindus.
The complaints call for appropriate legal and punitive action against Modi and Adityanath, urging the ECI to curb such communal and divisive rhetoric.
