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Suresh Chavhanke: The face of Hate Journalism

Aman Khan

Suresh Chavhanke, the Editor-in-Chief of Sudarshan News, epitomises the alarming trend of an ‘icon’ of the far right , using media as a vehicle for hate and divisive propaganda. Leveraging his platform, Sudarshan News, Chavhanke skillfully normalises anti-Muslim stereotypes and fosters division through inflammatory rhetoric. By portraying marginalised communities, particularly Muslims, as threats to harmonious, societal values, he perpetuates a culture of intolerance. Chavhanke’s promotion of dangerous expletives, laced with prejudicial content—-“spit jihad” and “love jihad” — instigates a boycott of all that is Muslim—Muslim businesses especially —and stokes intra-community tensions across India. His debate shows, including “Bindas Bol,” “Chalte-Chalte,” and “Jan Sansad,” are notorious for their incendiary content and anti-minority sentiments. Suresh Chavhanke has been at the receiving end of judicial censure and multiple criminal complaints but enjoys a unique political immunity, shielded by the powers that be.

Who is Suresh Chavhanke?

Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke, serves as the Chairman and Chief Managing Director of Sudarshan TV Channels Ltd. (Sudarshan News) and is an active and full-time member of the Rashtirya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS). He is the Editor-in-Chief of Sudarshan News Channel and is infamous for his hate-filled and often anti-minority debate shows, including “Bindas Bol,” “Chalte-Chalte,” and “Jan Sansad,” which have been noted for promoting divisive rhetoric and inflammatory speeches and reports. Apart from spreading hatred through his news channel, he also attends far right physical events, inspiring a militaristic Hindutva. He often uses these occasions to deliver inciteful speeches.

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His ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are long standing, having been a member since the age of three years when he started attending its meetings/shakha gatherings. As a member of RSS, he has also worked as a reporter of pro-RSS newspaper, Taun Bharat.  He has held several posts in the RSS before becoming a “full-time reporter”. He launched Sudarshan News channel in 2005 in Pune and later shifted it to Noida, outside Delhi.


Image: Suresh Chavhanke’s official X handle @ https://x.com/SureshChavhanke

Criminal cases linked to Suresh Chavhanke

Serial Hate Offender Suresh Chavhanke, is a polarising figure who today faces multiple FIR against Chavhanke, including allegations of rape, attempted murder, and fraud. In 2016, a former employee accused him of sexual exploitation, claiming he raped her and attempted unnatural acts under false promises of marriage. Apart from these serious allegations, there are growing concerns about police inaction and government-sponsored propaganda that seem to shield him from accountability even as he continues on his hate-dishing spree! Chavhanke —as mentioned above— has also faced numerous accusations of inciting communal hatred through inflammatory speeches, attracted significant public and media scrutiny regarding both his actions and the systemic issues enabling them.

Accused of Rape, attempt to murder and fraud

According to Hindustan Times, in year 2016, a former employee of the Sudarshan News had filed an FIR in the Women’s Police Station in Noida alleging that Chavhanke has raped her and attempted to have unnatural sex with her on October 20, 2013. She also accused Narain Sai son of self-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapur for attempting to rape her in September 2013.

The victim alleged that Chavhanke had sexually exploited her since 2013 under the promise of marriage and had taken cash and jewelry worth Rs. 27 lakhs from her. The police booked Chavhanke under a total of 11 sections of the IPC, including charges of rape, attempted unnatural offenses, attempted murder, forced miscarriage, criminal intimidation, cheating, and outraging the modesty of a woman. Not much has been heard of this case since then.

Arrested in year 2017 for inciting communal hatred

On April 12, 2017, Serial hate offender, Suresh Chavhanke was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police for inciting communal hatred. He was arrested by the Lucknow Police from Amausi Airport on Wednesday. The head of the Sudarshan channel was charged under Sections 153A(1), 295A, and 505(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 16 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1955.

On May 9, 2023, a complaint (FIR) was registered by the Jilhapeth Police Station against repeat hate offenders Suresh Chavhanke and Prashant Juvekar for delivering hate speech in Jalgaon on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, at an event organized by the notorious Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS). During this event, Chavhanke made provocative comments about Christmas, stating, “Christmas of the 2% is being imposed on the 98%,” and criticized Christians, claiming, “Christianity has ruined our intellect.” A nine-minute video of the speech, muted at several points, included stigmatizing remarks about Muslims, using terms like “Land Jihad” and “Love Jihad.” Chavhanke also levelled baseless allegations against madrassas and made unfounded claims about forced religious conversions in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

On June 23, 2023, an FIR was, yet again, filed against Sudarshan News editor-in-chief Suresh Chavhanke for delivering a “communal speech” in Sangamner on June 6, which had resulted in unrest in the region and the arrest of 17 people, as reported by the Indian Express. The FIR, filed at the Sangamner city police station in Ahmednagar based on a complaint by a police officer, stated that at least two people were injured and five vehicles were vandalized in the violence that followed a rally organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj, where Chavhanke was a key speaker. Alongside Chavhanke, two other speakers associated with the Bajrang Dal were also booked in the FIR. Clearly for Chavhanke, as also the rest of the extreme Hindutva eco-system, Maharashtra has been the chosen fertile ground for these activities. In June 2022, a politically compliant Maha Yuti government was formed in the state. Several of the new government’s functionaries—including state home minister, Devendra Phadnavis, have themselves been at the forefront of vicious hate-mongering since.

On July 30, 2023, in Rajasthan, a FIR was also registered against the serial hate offender, Suresh Chavhanke for allegedly hurting the sentiments of tribals and Meena community (ST) in the earlier dispute over Amagarh Fort between the Meena community and Hindu groups, as reported the Indian Express.

On July 22, 2022, the Hyderabad police booked a case against Suresh Chavhanke, the Editor-in-Chief and CMD of Sudarshan Television News, for allegedly uploading a morphed video of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi on social media. On April 17, 2024, Chavhanke was subsequently booked again by the Cyber Police Station in Hyderabad for allegedly using Owaisi’s photo on social media without proper context.

 

The video was captioned in Hindi: “Lageh Rahiyeh, Ek Din Aisah Bhi Ayega, Owaisi Bhi Ghar Wapsi Kar Bhajan Gayegah. Har Har Mahadev” (Keep engaged, one day Owaisi will also sing bhajans after returning home).

 

S. No. Name of the Offender District

 

 FIR Date Police state at

which FIR

was filed

 Sections
1. Suresh

Chavhanke

 Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Date: December 25,

2022

 May 09,

2023

 Jilhapeth

Police station

 FIR under IPC section

295, 504; under IT Act

section 67; provisions of

SC/ ST Act
2. Suresh

Chavhanke

 Chhatarpur-

Sambhajinagar (formerly

‘Aurangabad’,

Maharashtra)

Date: March 19, 2023

 

 March

20,

2023

 Kranti

Chowk Police

Station

 FIR under IPC section

153A
3. Suresh Chavhanke

 

 Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Date: June 6, 2023

 

 June 23, 2023 Sangamner City Police Station FIR under IPC section 153(A), 34 and 506(ii)
4. Suresh

Chavhanke

 Delhi

Date: December 19,

2021

 

 May 04,

2022

 South East

Delhi

 FIR under IPC section

153A, 295A, 298 and 34

 
5. Suresh Chavhanke

 

 Jaipur, Rajasthan

Date:

 July 30,

2021

 Transport Nagar Police Station FIR under IPC section 295, 504 along with relevant section of SC/St  Act and IT Act

 
6. Suresh Chavhanke

 

 Lucknow, District,

Uttar Pradesh

 

 Arrested on April, 12, 2017

 

 Lucknow Police FIR under IPC Sections 153 A(1), 295A and 505(1)B and also under section 16 of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1955.

 
7. Suresh Chavhanke

 

 Gautam Buddh Nagar District,

Uttar Pradesh

 

 November 2, 2016 Noida Sector 39 FIR under Sections 406, 420, 376 (rape), 313, 504, 506, 307, 294, 511, 354 and 509, of IPC.

 
8. Suresh Chavhanke

 

 Hyderabad, Telangana July 22, 2022 Hyderabad Cyber Police Station

 

 FIR under Sections 499, 504, 153-A, 506 of IPC and 67 of IT Act.
9. Suresh Chavhanke

 

 Hyderabad, Telangana April 17, 2024 Cyber police Station FIR under IPC Sections 469 and 505(2)

Hyderabad: Suresh Chavhanke booked for morphed video of Asad Owaisi

Notably, on October 19, 2024, the Delhi High Court summoned serial hate offender Suresh Chavhanke, Managing Director of Sudarshan News, along with six others, in a defamation case brought by Mohd Tufail Khan. Khan, who runs the Jamia Arabia Nizami Welfare Educational Society, defending itself under purportedly false accusations of being involved in anti-national activities.

These allegations originated from a tweet in 2022 and were subsequently broadcast on Sudarshan TV in 2023. In August 2022, Islamic scholar Mufti Wajahat Qasmi claimed that Jamia Arabia Nizami was involved in such activities, which were then featured in interviews on Sudarshan TV. Khan alleges that false and defamatory accusations against him were broadcast by Sudarshan TV on April 12, 2023, during a segment titled “Madrasa ke naam par bachho se bheek manga rahe hai.” He further informed the court that Suresh Chavhanke, CMD of Sudarshan News, along with another official, Maya Chavhanke, defamed him by organising a separate TV show aired on their channel, titled “Logo ko dafanane wali jagah par banaya Dargah.”

Chavhanke’s call for arms and radicalisation

Suresh Chavhanke’s fixation on weapons and his strategic use of the ‘social media’ have become central to his divisive agenda against minorities. He frequently portrays himself as a self-proclaimed protector of Hindu Dharma, often donning saffron attire and positioning himself as a warrior. Through his speeches and armed photos, Chavhanke promotes a narrative that urges Hindus to be ‘vigilant and prepared’, suggesting that they should keep weapons for self-defence. His rhetoric, which often echoes themes of aggression and confrontation, aims to incite fear and reinforce a sense of victimhood among his followers.

At events like the Asaram Bapu Divas in Pune on February 15, 2023, he explicitly called on Hindus to arm themselves, further fueling a culture of hostility and violence against religious minorities. Chavhanke’s messaging is not merely about self-defense; it is rooted in a broader strategy of spreading hate and shameful propaganda that undermines communal harmony. By fostering an image of a warrior dedicated to a supposedly righteous cause, he seeks to gain attention and rally support for his controversial views, ultimately exacerbating societal divisions and promoting intolerance.

Link: https://www.hindutvawatch.org/far-right-leader-suresh-chavhanke-calls-on-hindus-to-keep-weapons/

UPSC Jihad: a failed attempt of Sudarshan News

Sudarshan News is a pro-Hindutva Hindi channel known for targeting Muslims and promoting hatred against minority communities through its devastating debate shows and provocative reports. Suresh Chavhanke and Sudarshan News emerged centre stage to a controversy in year 2020. They spread an anti-Muslim narrative. At this time, it telecast one of its most polarising shows, originally scheduled to air on August 28, 2020. The show was titled “Naukarshahi me Muslamano ki Ghuspaith ke shadyatra ka bada khulasa” (The Conspiracy Behind Muslim Infiltration in UPSC – The Big Reveal). While the broadcast was ultimately stayed by the Delhi High Court on August 28, 2020, promotional trailers continued to circulate on social media, drawing significant attention. This series faced widespread criticism for its communal broadcasts.

The Editor-in-Chief of the channel and hate offender Suresh Chavhanke in the trailer can be seen as talking about the programme in this video:

The trailer highlighted a show that was set to be broadcast on August 28, 2020. In it, Suresh Chavhanke, the channel’s Editor-in-Chief, could be seen asking;

“How has there been a sudden rise in the number of Muslims in IAS and IPS?

What is the secret behind scoring high marks in such a difficult exam?

If Jihadis of Jamia become your Collectors and Chief Secretaries, what will happen then? The big reveal on the Executive being infiltrated.”

The Delhi High Court in its order dated August 29, 2024, while dismissing the vacation of stay from controversial telecast, observed that “Sudarshan News Clip Of ‘UPSC Jihad’ Show Prima Facie Violated the Programme Code”. A bench of Justice Navin Chawla observed that “Prima facie, I find the same to be in violation of the Programme Code set out under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Act’)”.

The Delhi High Court’s order dated August 28, 2020 also directed the Centre to take a decision on the matter. Subsequently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an order on September 9, 2020, permitting the broadcast of the show, which took effect on September 11, 2020. Following the same, an intervention application had been filed by seven retired civil servants before the Supreme Court seeking an injunction against the telecast of a communally inflammatory show on Sudarshan News, which allegedly discussed a “conspiracy of infiltration by Muslims in Indian civil services.” A petition was subsequently filed before the Delhi High Court challenging this decision, but the court refused to grant a stay and instead issued a notice.

Notably, on September 1, 2020, the members of the Constitutional Conduct Group – numbering 91 in total, submitted a representation to the Home Minister and the Minister for Information and Broadcasting against the Sudarshan tv and its show “Bindas Bol”, pointing out that the said program would “generate hatred towards the largest minority community of the country”, was based on demonstrable falsehoods about the supposed “growth” of Muslim representation in the Civil Services, and had the potential to divide the civil administration of the country on religious line.

Supreme Court restrained Sudarshan Tv to telecast “UPSC Jihad” show

On September 15, 2020, A bench of Justices KM Joseph, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, while considering the potential ramifications from the telecast, restrained Sudarshan TV from telecasting the remaining episodes of the “Bindas Bol” show. The bench also observed that the object of the was to vilify Muslims.

“At this stage, prima facie, it appears to the court that the object, intent and purpose of the program is to vilify the Muslim community with an insidious attempt to portray them as part of a conspiracy to infiltrate the civil services” the bench observed in its order.

Justice DY Chandrachud emphatically conveyed his disapproval of the hate-filled theme and underlying intent of the Sudarshan TV show. He observed that ““This is not a freedom of speech issue. When you say students of Jamia are part of a conspiracy to infiltrate civil services, that is not permissible. You cannot target one community and brand them a particular manner. This is an insidious attempt to malign a community”

 Ultimately, Sudarshan News’s attempt to exploit sensitive socio-political issues for sensationalism failed, revealing the legal and moral responsibilities that accompany journalistic endeavours. The case stands as a reminder of the vital role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic values and protecting marginalized communities from hate-driven agendas.

Citizens for Justice and Peace (cjp.org.in) has also repeatedly taken steps against Suresh Chavhanke, calling him out for his hate speech masquerading as news.

CJP’s complaint against Sudarshan News for its communal show ‘UPSC Jihad”

On September 1, 2020, CJP moved the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) – now known as News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) against Sudarshan News for airing a communally inflammatory promotional video for its show exploring a “controversy” on “infiltration” of Muslims in public services, while derogatorily terming it ‘UPSC Jihad’. The complaint was also forwarded to the Union I&B Ministry by the authority since Sudarshan TV is not a member of the National Broadcasters Association (NBA).

CJP’s strong intervention prompted the NBSA to forward the complaint to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). However, the response indicated that “This is to inform you that Sudarshan TV is not a member of the NBA. Hence NBSA cannot take action on the complaint based on NBSA regulations.”

The NBSA also referenced the I&B Ministry in its communication, forwarding the complaint to key officials, including the Joint Secretary and Under Secretary, while advising follow-up on the matter.

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting cautioned the Sudarshan News

Following the same, The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that Sudarshan TV’s UPSC Jihad program was “not in good taste” and had the potential to “promote communal attitudes.” In this context, Ministry through its order dated November 4, 2020 cautioned the channel, led by Suresh Chavhanke, to be “careful in the future.”

The MIB, after examining all the facts and circumstances of the case and balancing the fundamental rights of the broadcaster, cautioned Sudarshan TV Channel Ltd to exercise caution moving forward. The order further indicated that if any future violations of the Programme Code were found, stricter penal action would be taken.

The order was issued in light of the proceedings involving the MIB against Sudarshan TV for its alleged violation of the Programme Code under Rule 6 of the Cable TV Networks Rules, 1994, which were framed under the Cable TV Networks Act, 1995. This action was specifically related to the telecast of the program titled “Bindas Bol – UPSC Jihad.”

Chavhanke’s habitual indulgence in spreading hate and divisive propaganda

Suresh Chavhanke’s derogatory comments during National Education Day revealed a troubling trend in contemporary media discourse. By questioning the legitimacy of a national figure due to his Muslim identity, Chavhanke not only disrespected a revered freedom fighter but also promoted a divisive narrative that undermined India’s secular ethos. His remarks, which implied that non-Hindus could not hold significant national roles, contributed to a broader radical culture of intolerance and exclusion.

Chavhanke’s demeaning comment on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

In November, 2020, on the occasion of national education day, he was targeted none other than Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the well-known freedom fighter and independent India’s first education minister who was also known as a left-leaning rational Muslim. Since 2008, November 11, every year, is celebrated as the National Education Day in India to commemorate his birth anniversary. A twitter post was put up by the union minister for road transport & highways, Nitin Gadkari honouring Abul Kalam. However, the said twitter post was then re-shared by Chavhanke, along with vile, communal and instigating comments.

Sharing this picture, Chavhanke wrote;

“How can someone become the Bharat Ratna or the Education Minister of India when they are not from India?” (Jo Bharat Ke Nahi the Veh “Bharat Ratna” Ya “Bharat Ke Shiksha Mantri” Kese Banaye Gaye the?)

“How can a country, which has been hunted by the joint conspiracy of the British and jihadis, accept the National Education Day in the name of hunters?” (Angrezo Aur Jihadiyon Ke Sanyukt Shadyantra Ka Shikar Kiya Gaya Desh, Shikari Ke Naam Par Rashtriya Shikha Diwas Kese Mana Sakte Hai?).

He then tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), urging them to “consider changing the decision of the previous government (pichle Sarkar ka yeh nirnay badla jae).”

Attacks on Muslims and Christians

On December 25, 2022, a video surfaced of Suresh Chavhanke delivering a hate speech that targeted and promoted an Islamophobic agenda, while also criticising the Christmas festival. He claimed that “the Christmas of the 2% is being imposed on the 98%.” This incident was reported by the Twitter account “Hindutva Watch,” which tracks hate crimes and speeches by right-wing groups.

In March, 2023, On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, when all people look forward to messages of positivity, hate mongers like Chavhanke were busy injecting hatred. More problematic is the fact that the police and administration allowed this sort of corrosive activity unchecked.

At Anant Kanhere Maidan in Nashik on Hindu New year, March 22, Chavhanke addressed a large crowd at a ‘Hindu Hunkar Sabha’, speaking in Marathi while the entire show was streamed live on YouTube. In his hour-long speech, he resorted to his usual fear mongering, stigmatising Muslims and Christians, referring to them in denigrating terms, gave calls for violence, used the ‘they should be in Pakistan’ trope, made baseless claims of encroachment over temples, made unfounded claims about “love Jihad”, revolved his narrative around attacking the autonomy of women and urged people to take law in their hands.

Further, using the victim card, trying to generate both anger and fear, Chavhanke made some baseless claims about ‘Land Jihad’ around the Navshya Ganpati temple in Nashik. He claimed that he would be going to visit the temple and then the countdown will begin. He said he will gift a bulldozer to CM Eknath Shinde to remove this “encroachment”. This statement evoked a loud applause from the audience. He even attacked Christians. He claimed that Adivasis living in Peth, Harsul, Trambak, Igatpuri, Surgana, Ghoti are being converted “in large numbers”

Nexus with other serial hate offenders

On March 27, 2023, in the same chain of hateful and divisive propaganda, Suresh Chavhanke attended Hindu Ekta Rally organized in Faridabad, Haryana by right-wing extremist Bajrang Dal leader and serial hate offender, Bittu Bajrangi, where multiple right-wing hate offender including Chavhanke delivered hate speeches with deliberate intent to target Muslims and Christians. Hate-peddler Chavhanke through his speech propagated Islamophobic narrative while peddling false conspiracy theories and urged the residents of Faridabad to take action against Muslims so that the district does not see a rise in Muslim population. He also used anti-Muslim slurs and called on factory owner in Faridabad to remove so called “Bangladeshi” workers and ask them for their documents.

On April 14, 2023, this time a new video of hate monger Suresh Chavhanke, surfaced on social media, where he was in conversation with a Hindu monk Devkinandan Thakur and both of them can be heard making calls for repeating the Babri mosque demolition while referring the Mathura and Kashi dispute. Chavhanke openly attacked on Muslim community while saying that “Their mosque say this, pray five times a day, their Allah is the great, then what about our Mahadev, our Lord Krishna? These is beyond our patience. I do not know what to say about this. Till now we could have said that we did not understand what they are saying in Farsi, Arabi or Urdu, but now we know.” He further added that “If my speech is hate speech, then what is being uttered from these mosques, their Azaan, that is the biggest (form of) hate speech.” During the entire show, both the hate mongers, used derogatory slurs against the Muslims while “our Keshav is under the stairs. And upon him, these Mullas (anti-Muslim slur) are walking with shoes. If our government, our constitution is stopping us from taking action, then it is wrong.” The video later removed by the twitter as violative of community standards.

Names of roads in Delhi to be changed to Hindu leaders

Chavhanke has established a pattern of posting communal rhetoric and Islamophobic propaganda on social media, consistently tagging top BJP and RSS leaders to garner attention. As just days prior to the inauguration of new Parliament house, Chavhanke delivered another communal and provocative speech, in which he openly threatened to use force and violence against the minorities in order to make India an undivided Hindu nation. He also urged the government to change the name of the streets in Delhi and rename them to Hindu leaders. The said speech was delivered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

It is important to highlight that on March 19, 2023, in Maharashtra, when Aurangabad had been renamed as Sambhajinagar, Suresh Chavhanke, along with T. Raja Singh, had given hate speeches which has resulted in to the rampant destruction of public property and pelting of stones.

Incited violence and clash against the Muslim community

In June, 2023, Chavhanke then gave another speech in Sangamner, Maharashtra at an event organised by the right-wing extremist Sakal Hindu Samaj organised Hindu Jan Akroash Morcha where hate monger Suresh Chavhanke demonised Muslims, sexualised Muslim women and called on them to marry Hindus. Prior to the incident, on June 4, 2024, he posted a video about it from Red Fort where he said that he was going to Sangamner to stop the “Islamification” of the city. “The state of affairs in Sangamner is quite bad because the city is turning “green”, there is Love jihad happening against Hindu girls and Hindus are walking in fear on the streets”.

Repercussions due to Chavhanke’s speech in Sangamner:

After reaching Sangamner, on June 5 he posted another video where he said, “I have seen some WhatsApp forwards saying that we do not have police permission for our rally. But this is a rumour. Basically we do not need permission for such events. When they molest our sisters, they do not take permission. So we do not need permission to speak up against this. The morcha will happen at any cost”.

On his Twitter account he even posted a video of the rally showing people had gathered in large numbers for the rally:

Link: https://x.com/SureshChavhanke/status/1666027878683901953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%<

 

At the rally he made a speech, during the speech Chavhanke made several controversial claims while discussing the benefits of Muslim girls marrying Hindu men. He suggested that such marriages would spare them from living with a husband’s multiple partners, prevent them from becoming “baby-making factories,” and exempt their children from circumcision. He also claimed that Hindu men treat their female relatives with respect and that women would not face arbitrary divorce through “Talaq.” He asserted that, since promoting these views, 10 lakh Muslim women have married Hindu men. Alongside this, he posted a video showing the aftermath of a mob vandalizing an eatery, highlighting the chaotic scene with food scattered and police present.

The CJP has maintained constant 24/7 vigilance and effort in combating hate speech and incidents of communal division, resulting in complaint filed by CJP on June 12, 2023 with the Sangamner and Ahmednagar police concerning Suresh Chavhanke’s inflammatory remarks and violence provoking speeches delivered on June 6, 2023.

Additionally, Chavhanke is also responsible for stirring controversy by delivering inflammatory speeches demonising Rohingya refugees, and propagating conspiracy theories as he stoked tensions at events in Jhansi and Ujjain in July, 2023.

Accused of propagating fake “Spite Jihad Theory”

Apart from Chavhanke’s usual focus on anti-Muslim rhetoric on Madrassas and Mosques and a broader anti-minority agenda, he also actively promotes his controversial and dangerous narrative of “spit jihad,” which is rooted in provocative and hate-filled speeches against Muslims and Islam. Suresh Chavhanke at an event of “Hindu Hunkaar Sabha” was organized by the right-wing hate propagating outfit, Sakal Hindu Samaj at Kopargaon (Maharashtra).

Chavhanke’s “spit jihad” agenda seeks to harm Muslim businesses by promoting a narrative that encourages people to avoid purchasing from Muslims. This call for a boycott has significantly impacted the economic stability of many families. As a consequence of the propaganda propagated by the serial hate offender like Chavhanke, the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand —both ruled by the BJP—ordered the disclosure of the names of the of Hotel and Dhaba owners during the Kanwar Yatra route, leading to severe difficulties for Muslim hotel operators. (A minister from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh also declared that state government’s intention to do the same but was forced to withdraw after a public outcry). This move was a deliberate and shameful attempt by the Uttar Pradesh government to use hate and slur as precursor to effect a boycott Muslim businesses on the basis of their religious identity, illustrating the harmful narratives that hate mongers like Chavhanke aim to promote. Later, the Supreme Court stayed the controversial and discriminating directions of state forcing food sellers to disclose their identity

Shockingly, Chavhanke also called for the application of the “2002 Gujarat Model” in Haryana as violence flared in the state. His reference to the “Gujarat model,” a period marked by communal violence and accusations of deliberate inaction by the state government, raised serious questions about the intentions behind such inflammatory remarks. Since July 31, 2023, Chavhanke had been tweeting seemingly provocative content about Haryana, claiming an alleged conspiracy to ‘eradicate Hindus’ from Mewat. This blatant disregard for legal consequences by individuals like Chavhanke is a significant concern for both the authorities concerned with protection of law and order, citizens and most of all, the targeted community itself.

Detailed story by Sabrang India can be read here

Chavhanke and VHP hit out Maharashtra govt for allocating funds to the minority budget

On June 10, the Maharashtra Minority Development Department announced that the Waqf Board would be allocated Rs 2 crore from the Rs 10 crore budget earmarked for minority welfare in the 2024-25 financial year. This directive was issued by Moin Tashlidar, the Deputy Secretary in the Maharashtra government. Chavhanke and the VHP criticized the Maha Yuti government, led by the BJP in Maharashtra, for allocating a grant of Rs 10 crore to the state Waqf Board.

Chavhanke through his video segment, made the following claims,

“Why did the Maharashtra government give a grant of 10 crore rupees to the Waqf Board, which should be buried? To defeat Modi in the Lok Sabha elections, those who did vote jihad are now being given a return gift by Eknath Shinde ji? Does this mean that if Afzal Khan stabs us in the back now he will be rewarded? If you want to give it, give it from your party’s account, the one you separated in the name of Hindutva. We oppose giving money to a board that should be dissolved.” He also invited people to tune into his show and give him support.

Notably, On December 27, 2021, a complaint was filed by Supreme Court advocates Avni Bansal, Prakhar Dixit, and Prashant Dubey against Suresh Chavhanke. The complaint highlighted that Chavhanke delivered hate speech and incited enmity among different religious groups at an event organized by Hindu Yuva Vahini at Banarsidas Chandiwala Auditorium in Delhi on December 19, 2021. During the event, he administered an oath to a large audience urging “die for and kill” to make India a “Hindu Rashtra”, or a Hindu nation, using inflammatory and provocative language that incited feelings of communal violence and called for violence against individuals in the name of religion, if deemed necessary. The video of the said oath was posted on X (formerly twitter) by Chavhanke himself.

Against the backdrop of the communal oath events at the Haridwar Dharma Sansad and the Hindu Yuva Vahini event in Delhi, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)—in 2020-21– was filed by retired High Court judge of Patna High Court, Anjana Prakash and journalist Qurban Ali. In response, the Delhi Police submitted an affidavit specifically addressing the Delhi event, dismissing any claims of hate speech occurring during it. However, on April 22, 2022, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Delhi Police for its affidavit that, shockingly, asserted that no hate speech had taken place at the December 2021 Hindu Yuva Vahini event in Delhi. The Apex Court’s criticism prompted the Delhi Police to declare that it would file a “better affidavit” to address the concerns raised by the Court.

However, on October 20, 2024, in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, at the Ahilyabai Holkar Anniversary celebration, serial hate offender, Suresh Chavhanke, again launched a provocative attack on the LGBTQ community, branding them as a propaganda tool undermining Hindu families and eroding the very fabric of Hinduism, which he labelled “cultural terrorism.” His controversial remarks extended to Christians, whom he accused of orchestrating targeted conversion efforts in Ahmednagar. Chavhanke also described the phrase “Allahu Akbar” as a supremacist statement, intended to provoke Hindus. His speech stirred significant controversy, reflecting deepening cultural tensions within the community.

CJP’s fight against hate events promoted by Suresh Chavhanke

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has been unwavering in its fight against the hate events propagated by Suresh Chavhanke. Following his inflammatory remarks at a September 2022 rally in Badarpur, where he urged Muslim women to marry Hindu men, CJP approached the National Commission for Minorities. Chavhanke’s rhetoric, which included promoting a false narrative about Hindu marriages, was part of a broader pattern of Islamophobic speech. In early 2023, CJP filed complaints with Maharashtra authorities, emphasising Chavhanke’s encouragement of rebellion against the Supreme Court. This was compounded by political figures, such as Suraj Pal Amu, inciting violence against anyone opposing Chavhanke. CJP’s advocacy continues to spotlight these dangerous narratives, emphasizing the need for accountability and legal action to protect communal harmony. Their commitment to countering hate speech reflects a broader societal concern for religious tolerance and the safeguarding of minority rights in an increasingly polarized environment.

On September 13, 2022, CJP moved the National Commission for Minorities against the habitual hate offender Suresh Chavhanke for his Islamophobic speech at a rally in Badarpur, Haryana held on September 4, 2022. In this event, he urged Muslim women to marry Hindu men instead of Muslim men. According to a video that surfaced on social media at that time, Chavhanke and his supporters were seen chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” Additionally, Chavhanke was heard saying… “If you marry a Hindu man, he won’t do any kind of injustice to you. I’ll tell you 10 benefits today keeping Hindus as witness, keeping Bhagwan (God) as witness on camera, in the video, I promise that if you get married to Hindu boys and become Hindu, then you won’t have to face talaq. You won’t have to become a baby making factory, you won’t have to give birth to 40-40 children.”

On January 29, 2023, a video circulated on social media, posted by “Hate Detector” on X, featuring Suresh Chavhanke delivering anti-Muslim hate speeches throughout Maharashtra. He openly instigated individuals to defy the Supreme Court by administering an oath to establish a Hindu nation alongside him. This act further highlighted his role as a serial hate offender.

CJP continues its tireless fight against the hate and propaganda propagated by Suresh Chavhanke. On February 6, 2023, in response to the January 29 event, CJP approached the DGP Maharashtra and  Superintendent of Police in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, raising concerns about the speech delivered by serial hate offender Suresh Chavhanke, which promoted Islamophobic propaganda. CJP strongly asserted that Chavhanke espoused a harsh, right-wing, exclusionist ideology that transcended mere hate-mongering, actively encouraging others to rebel against the Supreme Court by administering an oath to establish a Hindu nation alongside him. Chavhanke further claimed that any actions taken against him were a result of pressure from the Supreme Court on the Delhi Police, which he labelled as an injustice.

However, in an unlawful and anti-constitutional counter-move, the BJP’s Chief Media Coordinator in Haryana and President of Karni Sena, Suraj Pal Amu, openly called for violence if any action was taken against Sudarshan News editor and hate-peddler Suresh Chavhanke at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

In the said video, Amu addresses a large audience, declaring, “If anybody touches Suresh Chavhanke, will we let them?” (audience shouts NO). He further incites the crowd, asking, “If anybody harasses him, will you spare him?” (audience shouts NO), and warns against any opposition to their agenda of establishing a Hindu Rashtra. This incident highlights the dangerous nexus among hate offenders within political circles. Amu’s rhetoric not only reinforces Chavhanke’s role as a central figure in this hate nexus but also mobilizes support among his followers, declaring, “Suresh Chavhanke is not alone; all of Hindustan’s 1.25 crore Hindus are with him.” He encourages applause for Chavhanke, indicating a collective identity rooted in hate.

CJP’s commitment to combating hate speech remains unwavering. On June 12, 2023, CJP filed another complaint with the Superintendent of Police in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, against serial hate offender Suresh Chavhanke. This complaint addressed the communal and hate-filled speeches he delivered at an event organized by the right-wing extremist group Sakal Hindu Samaj on June 6, 2023. CJP continues to advocate for accountability and justice in the face of rising hate propaganda.

On May 19, 2023, CJP filed a complaint to Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar against the serial hate offender, Suresh Chavhanke for delivering hate-spewing speech at an event organized by the Rashtriya Sri Ram Sangh (SRS) in Shrirampur (Ahmednagar District), Maharashtra. Chavhanke, at the birth anniversary of Sambhaji Maharaj, fabricated facts and history, and then perpetuated the lie by means shouting anti-Muslim slurs, and referring Aurangzeb for “every broken tile in a temple”. This is not the first time Suresh Chavhanke has crossed a line while addressing an aggressive crowd; he has a recurring pattern of delivering hate speeches and promoting divisive propaganda. His remarks often provoke tension and controversy, raising concerns about their impact on social cohesion and communal harmony.

Chavhanke’s behaviour signals a dangerous shift in public discourse, eroding religious tolerance. His recent speech exemplifies this concerning trend of shouting anti-Muslim slurs in public gatherings. Through his speech he openly said that “A few Muslims got upset with me, a Muslim minister told me a few days ago that they are upset with me. When I asked him the reason behind it, he said that he was upset with me because I used the word l***a (anti-Muslim slur). Tell me, he got upset over the fact that I called Aurangzeb a l***a. If I don’t call Aurangzeb a l***a, then whom should I call a l***a? This video was removed by Twitter for grossly violating community standards.

On August 18, 2023, CJP took a significant step by approaching the National Commission for Minorities regarding the multiple hate speeches delivered by Suresh Chavhanke in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. These speeches aimed to propagate his hate-filled and communal agenda, posing a serious threat to societal harmony and peace. CJP’s action underscored its ongoing commitment to addressing hate speech and protecting minority rights. By bringing these issues to the attention of the National Commission for Minorities, CJP sought not only accountability for Chavhanke’s actions but also broader measures to counteract the spread of hate speech across the country.

Suresh Chavhanke’s repeated dissemination of hate speech raises critical concerns about accountability and ethics in Indian media. Despite numerous complaints against his communal rhetoric, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has not issued warnings or taken steps to remove his provocative shows. This inaction suggests a troubling tolerance for hate speech within official channels. Furthermore, the police authorities’ failure to initiate suo moto action indicates a lack of commitment to upholding public order and protecting marginalized communities from incitement and violence. This pervasive impunity not only emboldens individuals like Chavhanke but also erodes the foundational values of justice and equality essential for a diverse society.

The moot question is, why, despite overwhelming evidence of communal incitement, does the state remain passive?

Related

CJP moves NCM against Suresh Chavhanke for his Islamophobic remarks

RSS member, Suresh Chavhanke and VHP hit out at Ekanth Shinde government for allocating minority funds

CJP complains to Sangamner, Ahmednagar Police about Suresh Chavhanke hate speech