Controversial figures, including Suresh Chavhanke, incite discord at MP event with alleged disinformation, divisive rhetoric

In a series of events held in Jhansi and Ujjain, far-right leader and chairperson of Sudharshan News, Suresh Chavhanke has once again stirred controversy by delivering inflammatory speeches targeting Muslims, demonising Rohingya refugees, and propagating conspiracy theories. These incidents have raised concerns about the potential escalation of communal tensions in Madhya Pradesh.

During a public gathering in Jhansi, Chavhanke utilised his platform to spread divisive rhetoric. He directed his vitriol towards Muslims, employing fear-mongering tactics to incite hostility. The event witnessed Chavhanke peddling conspiracy theories that sought to malign the image of Rohingya refugees, a vulnerable community seeking refuge in India. His speeches were met with mixed reactions from the audience, with some expressing concern over the potential consequences of his divisive discourse. ‘Did the Rani of Jhansi give her life while holding a Bhagwa flag so that there would be shrines made there? And these shrines are being made at places where ‘we’ have our huge landmarks. Today, the masjid at Krishna bhumi, it is an apharan (abduction or theft).  Today, we all go to Kashi, where our Prime Minister, Chief Ministers also visit. But the real temple is under the Gyanvapi (mosque). We have to free this (temple).’

Going further, peddling what seems to be baseless facts, Chavhanke claimed ‘The PM who has been for years standing and saluting the nation from the Red Fort, it’s real name is Laal Koth. This was made by Hindu Kings and it has nothing to do with Mughals’. Raising incendiary diatribes related to the Rani of Jhansi, he also made dubious sounding claims about history. ‘Islamic leaderships have betrayed (us). Which was why we lost to the British in 1854. Do you think Jhansi Rani could ever come under the targets of Love Jihad?

In addition to these, he further went on to make seemingly baseless claims about the population of Rohingya in the country, and engaged in what appeared to be fear mongering against Muslims. ‘Rohingya came in 4 lakhs to our country, but by December 2019, they had given birth to one lakh children.  There are about intruders from 71 countries, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Rohingya.’  The video for this event was uploaded on Twitter on 8th July 2023.

Similarly, an event organised by Chavhanke in Ujjain brought together extremist monks who unleashed hateful speeches targeting Muslims and their faith. The extremist nature of these speeches was underscored by the calls for extreme violence made by some of the speakers. In a particularly alarming statement, one monk urged for “Kar Seva,” a term referring to the physical demolition of structures associated with a particular community, in this case, 250 mosques. Other speak ‘Asurs have increased by too much in our country. Our girls should be protected.’

‘What is the problem – if someone talks to our daughter, what is the problem if we burn him alive?’ ‘There are more than 250  mosques made, and more than 1500 shrines,’ citing the Kar Sevaks who demolished the Babri Mosque, he continues, ‘they (these mosques and shrines) need the Kar Sevaks.’ – Another speaker at the event stated, bringing the bogey of Love Jihad, Suresh Chavhanke crooned, taking credit for the term, ‘Love Jihad was used by me on 9th August 2005, I had coined the term.’ If Mecca and in Vatican, non-Muslims and non-Christians cannot go, then why can there be non-Hindus in the Mahakal?’ Asked Chavhanke at the event as the crowd roared back in agreement. The video for the event was uploaded on Twitter on 6th July 2023.

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