15, Nov 2024 | CJP Team

In the midst of the ongoing election campaigns in Jharkhand, two significant complaints have been filed by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) against prominent political figures for their communal and divisive statements that threaten the integrity of the electoral process. The first complaint is against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for his inflammatory remarks made during an election rally in Panki, Ranchi, on November 8, 2024. Yadav’s speech, which labelled Muslims as “Bangladeshi infiltrators” and linked their population growth to threats against Hindu cultural practices, is seen as a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the Representation of the People Act (RPA). CJP argues that such statements not only deepen communal divides but also risk inciting violence and fear, undermining social harmony and the democratic process.

The second complaint is directed at BJP candidate Satyendra Tiwari, who, during a campaign rally in Garhwa, made derogatory and exclusionary comments targeting the Muslim community. Tiwari’s remarks, which explicitly stated that votes from Muslims should be disregarded, violate key provisions of the RPA and MCC. CJP contends that Tiwari’s rhetoric undermines the principles of universal suffrage, religious inclusivity, and fair elections, posing a serious threat to Jharkhand’s social fabric. The complaint demands immediate action from the Jharkhand Election Commission to address these violations, ensure the fair conduct of elections, and prevent further communal rhetoric from influencing the electorate.

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Complaint 1: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav for promoting communal divisiveness and electoral misconduct

The complaint filed by CJP highlights inflammatory and communal statements made by Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during an election rally in Panki, Ranchi, Jharkhand, on November 8, 2024. CJP states that Yadav’s speech violates both the MCC and the RPA. His comments, which target the Muslim community by labelling them as “Bangladeshi infiltrators” and linking their population growth to threats against Hindu festivals, are seen as divisive and inflammatory. CJP contends that these remarks promote religious polarisation and undermine social harmony, potentially inciting communal violence and fear.

In his speech, CM Yadav claimed that the decline in the Hindu population and the rise of the Muslim population in Jharkhand were the result of the influx of “Bangladeshi infiltrators.” This narrative, according to CJP, wrongly portrays Muslims as outsiders and illegitimate citizens, which creates a divide between religious communities. Additionally, Yadav used the rhetoric of “saving culture” to frame the election as a religious battle, suggesting that Hindu traditions and festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, were under threat. Such language, CJP argues, directly appeals to voters based on their religious identity, violating the MCC’s prohibition on communal appeals during elections.

CJP further asserts that Yadav’s remarks, particularly his invocation of religious symbols and rhetoric like “Jai Shri Ram” and references to Hindu gods, deepen the communal divide and manipulate voters through fear. By associating the Muslim community with threats to Hindu cultural identity, Yadav’s speech is accused of creating an environment of fear and distrust. This, CJP states, shifts the focus away from critical governance issues such as economic development and social welfare, undermining the democratic integrity of the electoral process.

To address these violations, CJP calls for immediate action from the Jharkhand State Election Commission. The complaint urges the Commission to issue a public censure against CM Yadav, prohibit his further participation in Jharkhand’s election campaign, and direct the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to refrain from using communal rhetoric in their campaigns. CJP also requests the deployment of monitoring teams to ensure compliance with the MCC and prevent further divisive statements that could jeopardise the fairness and peace of the electoral process.

The complaint may be read below.

Complaint 2: BJP candidate Satyendra Tiwari promoting divisive rhetoric and undermining electoral integrity

The complaint filed by CJP against BJP candidate Satyendra Tiwari highlights his communal and inflammatory remarks made during a recent election campaign in Garhwa, which were widely circulated on social media. In the video, Tiwari is heard saying, “If your name is Taslim, I will not take your vote. I am asking for votes from people who worship devi-devta. Even if Taslims and Ahmeds vote, I will get them taken out from the EVM.” These remarks blatantly target the Muslim community, seeking to exclude them from the democratic process based on their religious identity. Such rhetoric directly violates the RPA and the MCC, which are designed to ensure fair and inclusive elections free from religious or communal influence.

CJP’s complaint argues that Tiwari’s remarks violate several provisions of the RPA, including Section 123(2), (3), and (3A). Specifically, Section 123(2) prohibits undue influence over the free exercise of voting rights, which Tiwari’s statement about excluding Muslim votes directly contravenes. Section 123(3) forbids appeals based on religion, and Tiwari’s appeal to only accept votes from those who worship “devi-devta” is a clear religious appeal to voters, undermining the democratic principle that elections should be based on policy, governance, and development, not religious identity. Additionally, Section 123(3A) prohibits corrupt practices, including promoting enmity or hatred between different communities to influence the outcome of elections. Tiwari’s divisive rhetoric, which directly targets a religious group, is a clear violation of this provision as well.

The complaint further elaborates on the harmful impact of Tiwari’s words on Jharkhand’s social fabric, which is home to a diverse population with multiple religious and ethnic communities. Jharkhand has faced communal tensions in the past, and Tiwari’s remarks threaten to exacerbate these divisions at a time when the state should be focusing on inclusive growth and peaceful elections. His statements encourage voters to make decisions based on religious identity, rather than on the merit of candidates or the policies they represent. Such divisive rhetoric undermines the unity of the state, and risks increasing religious tensions, voter exclusion, and disillusionment, particularly among the Muslim community.

Additionally, CJP highlights the risk of voter apathy and the potential for widespread mistrust in the electoral process. Tiwari’s comments create an atmosphere of fear, where specific communities feel alienated and discouraged from participating in the democratic process. By suggesting that Muslim votes would be disregarded, Tiwari undermines the very foundation of universal suffrage and fairness in elections. His remarks also threaten to disrupt the integrity of the Election Commission’s voting process, as they cast doubt on the neutrality of the EVMs and suggest manipulation of the vote count based on religious lines.

Lastly, the complaint urges the Jharkhand Election Commission to take immediate action against Tiwari. It calls for a thorough investigation into his comments, the imposition of penalties including potential disqualification from the election, and the strict monitoring of election campaigns to prevent further violations of the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act. The complaint stresses the importance of maintaining a peaceful, inclusive electoral process that prioritises development, governance, and unity over divisive and discriminatory tactics that threaten the democratic fabric of the nation.

The complaint may be read below.

Image Courtesy: aajtak.in

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