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Communalism Hate Speech

Hate speech surges again, BJP leaders among many who stoke communal fires

There has been a spate of hate speeches, each evoking reportedly shared anti-minority sentiments by stoking tropes of large Muslim neighbourhoods, cow slaughter, “love-jihad”

The use of hate speech has been observed to serve as a strategic instrument for numerous leaders to advance their objectives. According to the United Nations, unchecked hatred possesses the power to damage to societies and disrupt peace and development. It serve to establish a breeding ground for conflict. India has seen a surge of hate speech in the recent time, especially at a time preceding elections.

Solapur, Maharashtra

BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and T Raja Singh were recently booked for giving hate speeches at a rally in Solapur, Maharashtra on January 6, 2024. According to Siasat News, an FIR has been lodged against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and Telangana legislator T Raja Singh, among others, over alleged hate speeches during a Hindu Jan Aakrosh rally.

Nitesh Rane is an MLA in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Kankavli Vidhan Sabha constituency. T Raja Singh is also an MLA from the Goshamahal constituency in Telangana. He has been noted for his reportedly anti-minority speeches for the past few years. Nitesh Rane made statements talking about ‘land jihad,’ ‘love jihad’ and ‘gau hatya,’ and the need to confront perceived ‘jihadi forces’. According to the Free Press Journal, he stated that “We are creating awareness amongst Hindus about land jihad, love jihad and gau hatya (cow slaughter). We are seeing that court directions are not being followed and we will question the government officials about it. Today we have gathered here to wage a war against jihadi forces. India is already a Hindu Rashtra and the entire land belongs to Hindus and not to anybody else.”

A police official disclosed this information on Sunday, January 7 2024, stating that the rally took place on Saturday between Rajendra Chowk and Kanna Chowk. The event was also attended by leaders from the Sakal Hindu Samaj. A police official has stated, “We have filed charges against Rane, Raja Singh, Sakal Hindu Samaj office bearer Sudhakar Mahadev Bahirwade, and 8-10 others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code,” The charges include sections that are related to promoting enmity between religious groups such as 153A, 295A and others, according to the report.

There were also reports of violence at the rally. Two people reportedly flung stones at shops and a few people received minor injuries. Police have reportedly arrested two suspects.

According to National Herald, former Maharashtra chief minister Sushilkumar Shinde from Indian National Congress has commented on the issue and stated, “Strict action must be taken against the mischief-mongers who want to disturb law and order in the city. It is an inappropriate and unfortunate incident.”

 

Belagavi, Karnataka

The former Karnataka minister and BJP leader, KS Eshwarappa reportedly stirred communal tensions by urging Muslims to vacate mosques reportedly that are alleged to be constructed on lands where temples were demolished. He also gave a warning that there would be serious consequences if this was not complied with, according to a report by India Today dated January 9, 2024. He said, “Two more places, including Mathura, are in consideration. Once the court verdict is delivered, be it today or tomorrow, we will proceed with the construction of temples. There should be no doubt about that.”

Mumbai, Maharashtra

In Mumbai on January 2, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Shriraj Nair was seen to be promoting conspiracy theories to fuel anti-Muslim sentiments during an event held on the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute campus.

In a video recording that has emerged on the internet, he can be saying the following, “Kashmir was the only state which had Muslims as majority and Hindus as minority – and we know what happened. In 1996, one fine evening the mullahs and the Muslims howled from their respective mosques asking the Hindus to leave their properties, daughters, sisters, and wives and get out of Kashmir. If you don’t wake up to their realities, demographic changes will happen…” He further stated, “Today we all live in Mumbai, I’m not taking anything on a negative side, I don’t want to give a speech which is so provocative. Can we live in a place called Yogeshwari West, Bhindi Bazaar, can somebody live in Mumbra? So, you all are youngsters, I debate on national TV, which is much easier than talking in front of you guys because you all can catch me if I’m wrong. I want you to think if demographic changes happen, and if Hindus slip into minority, then Hindus are in trouble. Today’s government, from 2014 onwards, cares for Hindus, that does not mean the government does not care about people from other states. Unlike the previous government, where PM Manmohan Singh talked on the national TV said that the resources of the nation belong first to the Muslims.”

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

At Akhand Vedant Sant Sammelan, school kids were asked to a communally charged pledge. The speakers started by asking everyone, including the parents and staff and students to stand and take the pledge, “We pledge that maryada will not be besmirched, we will protect our sanskriti (culture) and never let it be defamed until there is even a drop of blood in our body. We will not let any vidharmi touch our body. Bharat Mata ki Jai!” The video surfaced online on January 7, 2024.

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

During a media briefing, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav of Madhya Pradesh’s Indore reportedly issued a directive, which critics suggest read like a threat, to owners of malls, restaurants, and institutions, and urged them to install a replica of the Ram Mandir at their respective enterprises before the temple’s January 22 inauguration.

He stated furthermore that, “If anyone should try to disrupt this process, the citizens of Indore will teach them a lesson.”

Related:

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