Complaints Filed Against Modi and Adityanath for Inciting Communal Conflict in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have come under fire for allegedly inciting communal discord through their election rally speeches. The Bengaluru-based civil rights group, Law and Policy Research Institute (LPRI) has filed formal complaints with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the leaders of violating the Model Code of Conduct, the Representation of the People Act, and the Indian Penal Code.

The complaints highlight speeches delivered by Modi in New Delhi on May 18 and Adityanath in Phulpur on May 19. According to LPRI, Modi’s speech accused the Congress party’s manifesto of being influenced by the Muslim League and purportedly aimed at dividing government contracts, team selections, and the national budget along religious lines. Modi further suggested that Muslims would engage in “vote jihad” in exchange for properties from the Waqf Board.

In Phulpur, Adityanath’s rhetoric framed the election as a battle between “Ram Bhakts” (devotees of Ram) and “Ram Drohis” (betrayers of Ram). He labeled the opposition as anti-national traitors and likened them to Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor known for his controversial policies towards Hindus.

The LPRI’s complaints assert that such statements are not only inflammatory but also intended to divide the electorate along religious lines. By invoking religious sentiments and casting aspersions on the opposition, Modi and Adityanath are accused of fostering an atmosphere of communal tension and hatred.

The complaints demand that the ECI take appropriate legal and punitive action against Modi and Adityanath to curb what they describe as communal and divisive rhetoric. This call to action underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of electoral processes and ensuring that leaders adhere to the principles of secularism and democracy.

The LPRI’s move has garnered significant attention, highlighting the critical role of civil society in monitoring and challenging political discourse that threatens to disrupt social harmony. The organization argues that the speeches by Modi and Adityanath not only breach legal codes but also undermine the core values of India’s democratic framework.

To conclude, the allegations against PM Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath for inciting communal violence highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring fair and peaceful electoral practices in India.