In Jharkhand, inflammatory rhetoric by Prime Minister Narendra Modi fuelled fears and divisions, while Rajasthan witnessed intense communal violence and retaliatory demolitions. In Maharashtra, exclusionary measures against Muslim voters signalled a disturbing trend of marginalisation. The violence continued on September 16, with attacks on a mosque in Mangaluru and the cancellation of Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations in Chhatarpur due to fears of government crackdowns. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh experienced a surge in Islamophobic protests and violence against Muslim businesses, highlighting a growing trend of religious intolerance and state complicity. This series of events underscores a broader and alarming pattern of communal discord and systemic discrimination against Muslims in India.

September 15, 2024:

September 15, 2024, saw a disturbing escalation of communal targeting across India, with multiple incidents highlighting the growing hostility toward the Muslim community. From inflammatory speeches by Prime Minister Modi in Jharkhand, to violent clashes and bulldozer demolitions in Rajasthan, and exclusionary measures against Muslim voters in Maharashtra, the day was marked by a series of actions that deepened communal divisions. These events, occurring in different parts of the country, reflect a broader pattern of marginalisation and state-sanctioned discrimination against Muslims, further polarising the socio-political landscape.

Incident 1: Communal Rhetoric from Prime Minister Modi

On September 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a campaign speech in the Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand, issued a pointed attack against alleged “infiltrators”—a term often used by BJP leaders to refer to Muslims from Bangladesh and Rohingya refugees. He accused them of occupying key positions in panchayats and other local governance structures, specifically naming Bangladeshis and Rohingya Muslims. PM Modi’s speech focused on the claim that these groups were manipulating local tribal populations, particularly by marrying Adivasi women to gain access to land and power. Notably, this claim has been debunked many a times by independent media.

PM Modi also directly accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) of supporting these “infiltrators” to build a vote bank, framing the JMM as betraying the interests of the indigenous Adivasi community. He went further on to blaming the Congress party for corrupting the JMM, implying that the opposition’s alleged support for Muslims was a form of “appeasement politics.”

The speech was seen as an effort to stoke communal fears in a region historically inhabited by the Santal Adivasi community, where communal tensions had been less pronounced. BJP leaders in the region have been increasingly using this narrative of “Muslim infiltration” to deepen religious divisions and gather political support ahead of elections, with inflammatory rhetoric and baseless claims adding to the existing tensions.

Incident 2: Jahazpur Clashes and Bulldozer Action

The Jahazpur area in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district saw intense communal violence on September 15, after alleged clashes broke out during a local Hindu religious procession. According to reports, some members of the procession alleged that stones were thrown at them as they passed through a Muslim-majority neighbourhood, though local Muslims claimed that the procession had deliberately provoked the incident by attempting to enter the mosque and raising inflammatory slogans.

In the aftermath, BJP MLA Gopi Chand Meena led a protest demanding immediate action, calling for the arrest of those allegedly involved in the stone-pelting. He specifically advocated for the use of bulldozers to demolish Muslim-owned properties in retaliation. Responding to the pressure, authorities quickly arrested over 20 Muslim residents and began demolishing several shops owned by the Muslim community. Videos of bulldozers razing the shops went viral on social media, along with footage of mobs looting and vandalising Muslim-owned businesses while the police appeared to be complicit.

Further, the local municipality issued a notice to the Jama Masjid committee, demanding documentation of the mosque’s land ownership within 24 hours—an indication that the mosque itself could be a target of demolition. The Jahazpur Nagar Palika issued a notice to the President of the Masjid Committee Muslim Samaj, instructing them to submit documents related to the ownership and construction of the Jama Masjid in Ward 09 within 24 hours. The notice stated, “You are informed that whatever documents there are related to the lease/construction approval of the owner in relation to Jama Masjid should be presented to the municipality within 24 hours.”

This heavy-handed response, combined with the inflammatory speeches made by Meena and other BJP leaders, has heightened communal tensions in the region. Simultaneously, several videos have surfaced on social media showing authorities demolishing shops with bulldozers. Another viral video captured BJP MLA Gopi Chand Meena addressing a crowd and demanding bulldozer action against those allegedly involved in stone-pelting during earlier clashes. Other videos depict mobs looting over 20 shops and roaming the streets armed with sticks, vandalising property and creating chaos in the area. Hindutva groups have continued their protests in front of the mosque, calling for its demolition, despite the mosque committee having already submitted the required land documents.

Multiple media reports have provided that despite the mosque committee submitting the necessary documents, Hindutva groups continue to agitate for its destruction, adding to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for the local Muslim population.

Jameel Khan, the state president of All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), condemned the bulldozer actions, stating, “Those who please their masters by driving bulldozers and those who clap when someone else’s house or shop is demolished should remember that everyone will be held accountable.” AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan echoed this sentiment, saying, “Atrocities on Muslims are growing day by day. How long will Muslims have to tolerate this? Where is the so-called champion of secularism? Why is he silent? Is it because the victims are Muslims? When will the police and administration take action?”

Meanwhile, BJP MP Damodar Agarwal praised the administration for its swift response, emphasising the “anger in the Hindu community.” He noted, “The Hindu community was infuriated over this, but the police took immediate action. Additional force was deployed, and drone footage was used to identify and detain the miscreants. About 12 suspicious individuals were detained by the police. The Chief Minister and Police Administration are closely monitoring the situation from Jaipur.”

In #Rajasthan‘s #Bhilwara, bulldozers were used to demolish #Muslim shops and dhabas overnight after accusations of stone-pelting at a temple procession at #Jahazpur.#BJP MLA #GopichandMeena endorsed the action, and the municipality has now ordered the mosque to produce… pic.twitter.com/NFFCBEhFYd

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 15, 2024

Incident 3: “Purifying” the Taj Mahal

On the same day, a Hindu activist attempted to “purify” the Taj Mahal by pouring cow dung and Ganga water on the monument, claiming that it was a Hindu temple. The incident came on the heels of a viral video showing a tourist urinating inside the Taj Mahal premises, which the activist claimed had desecrated the iconic structure. Identified as Gopal Chahar, the convener of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, the activist was stopped by security before he could carry out his plan.

In #UttarPradesh‘s #Agra, a #Hindutva activist attempted to purify the #TajMahal with cow dung and Ganga water, claiming the monument is a #Hindu temple. However, he was stopped by security pic.twitter.com/8uv1YgNYZW

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 15, 2024

Agra, UP: A Hindu activist attempted to purify the Taj Mahal with cow dung and Ganga water, claiming the monument is a Hindu temple. However, he was stopped by security pic.twitter.com/sHMCr3AIwm

— IANS (@ians_india) September 15, 2024

The Taj Mahal has long been a target for Hindutva activists, who argue that it was originally a Hindu temple before being converted into a Muslim mausoleum by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. According to a report by the Hindi newspaper Amar Ujala, Chahar’s attempt to “purify” the monument fits into a broader narrative pushed by right-wing groups who seek to reframe India’s historical monuments as part of a pre-Islamic Hindu heritage. The activist vowed to take the matter to court, signalling that such provocations are likely to continue.

This incident not only represents an attempt to erase the Taj Mahal’s Mughal heritage but also underscores the growing trend of Hindutva forces claiming Muslim religious sites and artifacts as symbols of Hindu identity, fuelling communal discord.

Incident 4: Exclusion of Muslim Voters in Kolhapur

In Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, the Shingnapur Gram Panchayat passed a shocking resolution barring the inclusion of new Muslim voters in its electoral rolls. The resolution, passed on September 5 but widely condemned and protested on September 15, effectively sought to exclude Muslim residents who had recently arrived in the village. The panchayat ordered that any new Muslim names found in the voter registration process should be removed.

Muslim rights groups, including the Muslim Education Society of Kolhapur, condemned the resolution as unconstitutional, arguing that it represented a form of social boycott and a clear violation of Muslim citizens’ fundamental rights. They approached the District Magistrate demanding legal action against the Gram Panchayat members for attempting to disenfranchise Muslims based on their religion. Through the complaint, the group has said that “The resolution is against India’s constitution which grants voting rights to all citizens. A criminal case should be filed against the Sarpanch, panchayat members and Village Development Officers who decided to take away the right to vote on the basis of religion. The panchayat should be suspended.”

Facing intense criticism, the panchayat issued an apology on the same day, claiming that the resolution had been “misrepresented” and was aimed at addressing concerns about two Bangladeshi women who had allegedly entered the village using fake Indian identification. Despite the clarification, the incident has raised serious concerns about the increasing use of local governance mechanisms to marginalise Muslim populations under the guise of addressing “illegal immigration.”

September 16, 2024

Two recent incidents that took place on September 16 have underscored the growing climate of fear and communal tension facing the Muslim community in India. In Mangaluru, Karnataka, pro-Hindu activists associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad were arrested for attacking the Badriya Mosque just before the Eid-e-Milad festival, escalating tensions despite police intervention. Meanwhile, in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, the Muslim community cancelled Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations amidst fears of government retaliation following violent clashes in August. The cancellation came in response to widespread arrests, demolitions of Muslim homes, and the community’s demand for a fair investigation into inflammatory remarks by a Hindu priest, further highlighting the deepening divide and sense of vulnerability.

Incident 1: Arrest for attack on Badriya Mosque in Mangaluru

On September 16, five pro-Hindu activists associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) were arrested for allegedly throwing stones at the Badriya Mosque in Katipalla, located on the outskirts of Mangaluru, Karnataka. The incident took place the night before the Eid-e-Milad festival, around 10:30 pm, when four men on two motorcycles allegedly hurled stones at the mosque, breaking its windows. This attack led to immediate tension, with local residents gathering around the mosque. The swift deployment of police forces helped contain the situation, and Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal confirmed that the area remained peaceful, although investigations continued.

The arrested individuals were identified as Bharat Shetty (26), Chennappa Shivananad Chalavadi (19), Nitin Hadap (22), Sujit Shetty (23), and Anappa alias Manu (24). Additionally, a separate case was filed against VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell and Bajrang Dal’s Puneeth Attavar, following an exchange of provocative statements on social media between two groups, which contributed to the gathering of a large crowd in the area.

According to reports, a voice message from Mohammed Sharief, former president of Bantwal Town Municipal Council, was circulated, allegedly challenging Sharan Pumpwell to “face them during the Eid-e-Milad procession.” Police Commissioner Agarwal warned that those responsible for posting inflammatory content on social media would face legal consequences, emphasising that the police were closely monitoring platforms to prevent further unrest. Four separate cases have been registered in connection with the incidents, two against Mohammed Sharief and Mohammad Hasainar, a councillor in Bantwal Town, and two against Sharan Pumpwell and Puneeth Attavar.

In the backdrop of the ongoing Eid-e-Milad celebrations, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to Mangaluru to prevent any escalation of violence. Superintendent of Police Yatish N stated that adequate security arrangements had been implemented across the district to maintain peace. A 48-hour liquor ban was also imposed to help curb potential disturbances. Tensions remained high in the area following an earlier incident in Mandya district, where a Bhagwan Ganesha procession led to violent clashes, shop vandalism, and vehicle burnings.

Local leaders, including Karnataka Congress minister MC Sudhakar, commented on the political undercurrents driving communal tensions in Mangaluru, noting, “This unrest is not surprising. Mangaluru has always been a hot spot for communal politics.”

Incident 2: Fear and Cancellation of Eid Miladun Nabi Celebrations in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, Muslims decided to cancel Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations this year, citing fears of government retaliation following violent clashes in August with the police. The Eid Miladun Nabi, a significant festival marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, was overshadowed by the community’s apprehension of further crackdowns. The tensions stemmed from the August 21, 2024 protests against inflammatory remarks made by Hindu priest Ramgiri Maharaj. The protest allegedly led to violent clashes between the Muslim community and police, resulting in the arrest of over two dozen people and the booking of 150 others. Subsequently, the authorities demolished Muslim homes, including the bungalow of Congress leader Haji Shahzad Ali, creating a widespread atmosphere of fear.

The crackdown on the Muslim community in Chhatarpur had also led to the naming of 46 individuals in the FIR, while 150 remained unidentified. Additionally, six Muslim residents—Nazim Chaudhry, Javed, Arman Rain, Murli, Rafat Khan, and Yusuf—were externed by the administration. The parading of the arrested individuals, with their hands tied and forced to chant slogans in praise of the police, drew widespread condemnation from political leaders, activists, and journalists. Many criticised the disproportionate targeting of Muslims and called for a fair and transparent investigation into the events leading up to and following the August clashes.

In view of this, a local religious leader had announced the decision not to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi, stating, “All religious leaders have fled their homes. Some were beaten and jailed. They are innocent. Given these conditions, we have decided not to take out the procession for Eid Miladun Nabi.” He further emphasised that the community would refrain from celebrating any festival with fanfare until those unjustly arrested were released and the charges against the 150 individuals were dropped. The community also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the events of August 21 and the arrest of Maharaj, who, despite multiple FIRs, remained free.

In a similar move, other mosques across Chhatarpur city echoed the decision not to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi. Community leaders decried the fact that while those accused of violence against Muslims were arrested and their homes demolished, Maharaj had faced no legal consequences for his incitement.

मप्र के छतरपुर मुसलमानों ने ईद मिलादुन्नबी के मौक़े पर प्रशासन से भय की वजह से जुलूस ना निकालने का फ़ैसला किया है, उनका मानना है कि यदि जुलूस में कुछ असामाजिक तत्वों ने घुस पथराव या कोई हरक़त कर दी तो प्रशासन बेगुनाह मुसलमानों के घरों पर बुलडोज़र चला उन पर बेबुनियादी कार्रवाई… pic.twitter.com/fYTQWHWz9p

— Zakir Ali Tyagi (@ZakirAliTyagi) September 16, 2024

September 11-17, 2024

In recent weeks, Himachal Pradesh has been gripped by a disturbing wave of communal violence, primarily targeting the Muslim community. What began as protests over an allegedly illegal mosque in Shimla has spiralled into widespread attacks on Muslim businesses, calls for economic boycotts, and open hostility. The state, typically known for its serene landscapes, now finds itself embroiled in escalating Islamophobic tensions fuelled by far-right Hindutva groups.

Disturbing events followed the massive protests in Shimla’s Sanjauli area, which initially centred around the alleged illegal mosque but quickly escalated into broader Islamophobic campaigns across the state. Hindutva groups, seizing on the tensions, began organising similar protests in towns like Mandi and Palampur, demanding more demolitions of mosques and urging the government to impose stricter regulations on the Muslim community. Protesters even urged locals to refrain from renting out shops or houses to Muslims, contributing to the economic and social marginalisation of the community.

 Incident: Escalating Islamophobic Protests and Violence in Himachal Pradesh

The unrest first erupted in Himachal Pradesh’s summer capital, Shimla, on September 11, 2024, when protests over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area turned violent. Right-wing Hindu groups, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members and far-right organisations, gathered in large numbers to oppose the mosque, which they claimed had four unauthorised floors and had been standing for over a decade without action from local authorities.

During the demonstration, a mob allegedly clashed with the police, who had set up barricades near the mosque to control the crowd. Protesters broke through the second barricade, prompting law enforcement to use water cannons and resort to a lathi-charge to disperse them. Amid the chaos, agitated protesters pelted stones at the police, injuring six officers, including a female officer who sustained serious vertebrae fractures. Shimla police later released CCTV footage showing the mob violently throwing stones during the confrontation.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Shimla Police has released the stone pelting video of the Shimla protest (September 11). 8 FIRs have been registered so far. 6 policemen, including a woman Police personnel who had vertebrae fractures and is in serious condition, were injured in the… pic.twitter.com/kihTo1DzgE

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024

In response, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against eight individuals linked to the violence. Shimla’s district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting gatherings of more than five people and banning the carrying of lethal weapons. The authorities vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly, while tension continued to simmer in the area.

The unrest in Shimla acted as a catalyst, spreading Islamophobic sentiment across other parts of Himachal Pradesh. Protests soon erupted in Mandi district, where demonstrators, emboldened by the Shimla incident, voiced strong opposition to the Muslim community and the construction of mosques. At rallies organized by far-right Hindu groups, inflammatory slogans were chanted, with protesters accusing Muslims of demographic threats and linking the mosque to thefts and crime in the area.

As the protests gained momentum, the Muslim welfare committee in Shimla attempted to de-escalate the situation by urging the municipal commissioner to seal the unauthorised portion of the mosque. The committee, which included the mosque’s Imam and members of the Waqf board, even offered to demolish the illegal construction if ordered by the court. Despite these conciliatory efforts, Hindu organisations continued to demand more stringent regulations on mosque construction and called for the demolition of more mosques across the state. A legal case regarding the unauthorised floors of the mosque is currently being heard in the municipal court, with the next hearing scheduled for October 5, 2024.

In #HimachalPradesh‘s #Solan, shops owned by #Muslims were marked during the protest rally held by #Hindutva outfits over the #SanjauliMosque issue on Monday.

After minister #AnirudhSingh‘s statement, hate campaigns against Muslims were launched in #Shimla, #Mandi, #Palampur,… pic.twitter.com/lop9tLVuJ7

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 17, 2024

It is crucial to highlight here that the Islamophobic fervour soon reached Palampur, where protests on September 15, 2024 turned violent. Hindutva groups and local residents took to the streets, vandalising shops owned by Muslim traders and calling for an economic boycott against the Muslim community. During a protest march from Gandhi Maidan to the New Bus Stand, demonstrators allegedly destroyed shop billboards, attacked vendors’ carts, and chanted provocative slogans such as “Kathue Mulle Nahi Chalenge” (Muslims will not be tolerated), “Mulle Thulle Nahi Chalenge” (Muslims won’t be allowed to exist), and “Goli Maaro Saalo Ko, Mulle ke Dalalo Ko” (Shoot them all, the traitors Muslims).

In yet another incident highlighting the growing intolerance and hate against minorities, a fresh video captured a movement of #Hindu groups and residents in #HimachalPradesh’s #Palampur area vandalising shops owned by #Muslim traders, demanding the demolition of more mosques in… pic.twitter.com/VwJinL9VS0

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 17, 2024

Videos circulating on social media showed the mob violently smashing property, with one clip capturing a crowd attacking the shutter of a closed shop. The protesters also shouted derogatory remarks, referring to Muslims as “Mullahs” while inciting communal hatred. Hindutva leaders at the protest urged local residents not to engage in any form of business with Muslims and called for the removal of the mosque from the town.

The violence against Muslims in Himachal Pradesh reached a new level of brutality on September 17, when a video surfaced showing an elderly Muslim shopkeeper being violently attacked by an alleged Hindutva mob in Solan. The footage, which quickly went viral, depicted the elderly man crying and pleading for mercy with folded hands as the mob aggressively beat him. Spectators in the crowd were seen cheering and whistling, while one individual attempted to shield the man from further assault.

In #HimachalPradesh‘s #Solan, an elderly #Muslim shopkeeper was beaten by #Hindutva protesters. pic.twitter.com/RY3lnUtCnS

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 16, 2024

This attack, along with the destruction of Muslim-owned businesses, highlights the growing pattern of hostility toward Muslims in the region. Despite the Muslim community’s efforts to seek justice and demonstrate goodwill—such as offering to demolish unauthorised mosque structures—the rising tide of Islamophobic sentiment has continued to fuel violence, intimidation, and economic boycotts against them.

The ongoing violence has drawn criticism from various quarters, with local politicians, activists, and journalists condemning the state’s handling of the situation. Journalist Zakir Ali Tyagi, among others, took to social media to slam Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukku for failing to curb the rising hate campaigns. Tyagi accused the Congress-led state government of bowing to pressure from Hindutva groups, allowing the economic boycotts and vandalism of Muslim businesses to go unchecked.

कांग्रेस शाषित राज्य हिमाचल के पालमपुर में हिंदुओं की भीड़ ने मुस्लिम मज़दूर की दुकान में तोड़फोड़ करते हुए दुकान का नामों निशान तक मिटा दिया, मुस्लिमों को गालियां देते हुए भड़काव बयानबाजी की जा रही है, @SukhuSukhvinder ने हाल में पार्टी आलाकमान @kharge जी व प्रभारी @ShuklaRajiv… pic.twitter.com/U3fJlP1ZMD

— Zakir Ali Tyagi (@ZakirAliTyagi) September 15, 2024

As Islamophobic campaigns spread from town to town, the unrest in Himachal Pradesh reflects a troubling reality: that the marginalisation and targeting of Muslims, driven by far-right rhetoric, is becoming alarmingly common. While protests over alleged illegal mosque constructions may have sparked the initial violence, the underlying communal animosity continues to fuel a broader campaign against Muslims in the state.

The situation in Himachal Pradesh is part of a larger, nationwide trend of rising intolerance and communal tensions, where Muslim communities increasingly find themselves at the receiving end of hate campaigns and violent actions. As the protests spread and more incidents of violence surface, the call for urgent intervention and a fair, unbiased approach to justice becomes louder. Without decisive action from the state, this cycle of violence is likely to continue, deepening the divide between communities and fostering an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for the Muslim population.

Need for reaffirming commitment to justice and equality amid rising communal tensions

As communal tensions escalate and the very fabric of Indian society faces unprecedented strain, the necessity for justice and intervention becomes increasingly urgent. The growing frequency and intensity of these incidents highlight a critical need for both state and civil society to adopt a more proactive and unbiased stance in addressing these issues. A robust and impartial response is essential to not only alleviate the immediate suffering of affected communities but also to restore faith in the rule of law. Ensuring that all citizens—regardless of their religion or background—can live without fear or discrimination is fundamental to preserving the nation’s democratic principles. By recommitting to the core values enshrined in the Constitution of India and actively safeguarding the rights of minorities, India can strive to heal the deepening divides and reaffirm its dedication to pluralism and equality. Only through such concerted efforts can the nation hope to overcome the current crisis and forge a future where justice and harmony prevail.

Related:

Truth about the Sanjauli Mosque issue: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Haryana Horror: Migrant worker lynched and teenager fatally shot amid rising violence

Eviction tragedy in Assam: Two killed during eviction drive as police firing sparks allegations of government bias

Tensions escalate in Himachal and Uttarakhand, multiple protest and rallies against mosques

The post Nationwide surge in Anti-Muslim violence: September 15-17 sees unprecedented attacks and discrimination appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In a speech uploaded on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) by the official account of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam on August 9 said that “Today the population of Hindus in Bangladesh has remained only 8%. See how much violence is happening there. There are some districts in Assam where the Hindu population has remained only 12%. But our temples and women are safe because everyone knows whose government is in Assam.”

This is not the first time that Sarma has caught attention for targeting Muslim minority in the state of Assam and engaging in religious appeal to Hindus to save their (Assamese) identity against the threat of what the right-wing calls population jihad. While he targeted Muslim community of the state by calling Assam’s Muslim majority districts “tiny Bangladesh”, he further suggested that fear of government machinery backed by police and military is necessary to instil fear in “some people” to ensure that Hindus of the state are protected.

Previously, on August 4, during the BJP’s State Executive meeting Sarma had targeted Muslim minorities in Assam by accusing them of engaging in so-called land jihad and love jihad.

Transcript of Sarma’s August 9 speech can be found below:

The government that is in the interest of the nation today will remain in Assam for a long time. We cannot expect much longer from the population that is changing rapidly today. We are just lagging behind with our combined forces, in a certain future that should happen today, like some delimitation, sometimes movements, sometimes challenges among people. Thus, we are lagging behind a certain dangerous dark future. I don’t know how far we can save ourselves politically, but if our society is united, if we take responsibilities for our institutions and if we keep people alive with the ideals of the two Mahapurush to our future generations then maybe we can live as Assamese. Today you see in the neighbouring Bangladesh, where 35% of the population was Hindu, today the number of Hindus there has become 8%, the temples have been demolished. If we imagine Barpeta, Dhubri district of Assam, Dhubri district has 12% Hindu population. For example, Bangladesh has 8%, Dhubri has 12% Hindu people. Barpeta, et cetera districts have 30% Hindu people, Morigaon has 35% Hindu population. That is, each is a tiny Bangladesh. Now our districts of Assam have already been built. Just because someone is afraid that the government has police and military with them, if Hindu people are tortured, then they might be arrested and attacked, the government can take them to court. They are just in fear of something. The day that fear is broken, we will see the scene in Bangladesh today everywhere in Assam except upper districts of Assam. And that is the real truth of our lives.

Related:

Himanta Biswa Sarma in latest hate speech blames people of ‘specific religion’ for BJP loss in Nagaland, Meghalaya | SabrangIndia

Assam CM Sarma announces introduction on legislation to prohibit ‘Land-Jihad’, amendments to law on ‘Love-Jihad’ | SabrangIndia

Assam CM and BJP state president blame Muslims for defeat, call them ‘communal group’ | SabrangIndia

The post Assam CM compares districts of Assam with Bangladesh; calls some of the districts ‘tiny Bangladesh’ appeared first on SabrangIndia.

It was argued that the content of the hate speech made by Shri Narendra Modi is not only false but is calculated to promote hate and enmity on the grounds of religion and community, disharmony and feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill will between different religious groups and communities. Moreover, the speech has been made at an election rally to procure votes from the citizens on communal lines.

Besides, the speech clearly constitutes acts prejudicial to the maintenance of peace and harmony between different religious groups in Rajasthan and in the country as a whole. Similarly, it should also be noted that the speech of Shri Narendra Modi constitutes deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings and adding insults or attempting to insult the religion and the religious beliefs. In a way, Shri Modi’s speech is instigating Hindus against the Muslims by calling them ‘infiltrators’.

• Therefore it was urged that action be initiated under the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 against Shri Narendra Modi and the BJP candidates Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya and Dr. Manna Lal Rawat, for the hate speech made at the Vijay Shankhnaad Sabha held on April 21, 2024 in Banswara, Rajasthan.
• The complainants also urged that urged that cognisance be taken of the violation under Sections 123(3), 123(3A), and Section 125 of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 and Rules 1 and 3 of the Model Code of Conduct and initiate strict action including but not limited to disqualifying Shri Narendra Modi and the candidates Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya and Dr. Manna Lal Rawat and issuing prohibitory orders against their campaign.
• Criminal action was also demanded against the organisers of the Sabha, CP Joshi, the State BJP President and other members of the BJP who were present or involved in the meeting.

Filing a complaint registering a case against Narendra Modi In Jaipur

This complaint that was lodged with the Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph by Kavita Srivastava and Bhanwar Meghwanshi was regarding the hate speech made in Banswara on April 21st by Shri Narendra Modi, star BJP campaigner. The police commissioner showed his reluctance in registering an FIR, making the argument that he had no jurisdiction over an alleged crime that occurred in Banswara. The complainants urged that a zero number FIR could be lodged and also it was pointed out that Sections of 153 (A), 295 (A) and 505 IPC, require no jurisdiction. The Police Commissioner however, did agree to forward the FIR to the Banswara SP, which was done on April 23 (see letter attached) .

According to the complaint, made by the two, the Prime Minister was campaigning in Banswara for BJP candidates Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya and Dr Manna Lal Rawat and the content of his public address at the Vijay Shankhnaad Sabha there was not only false, but was deliberately made to promote hate and enmity on the grounds of religion. It instigated Hindus against the Muslims by calling the latter ‘infiltrators’ and alleging that the Congress was planning to seize the property and assets of Hindus and distribute it among the Muslims. In his speech, Modi incited the public by prodding them with questions like “whether such an act of extorting gold and taking away the mangal sutra of women (Hindu) would be acceptable to them?”. He repeatedly said that he had come to inform them, when he actually implied that he had come to warn them of the dire consequences in case his party does not come to power.

The complaint says that the hate speech has been widely circulated and covered in the media, and having been made from the highest office of the nation, it is bound to have serious and lasting consequences, apart from influencing the elections on divisive and communal lines. Hence it urges for concrete measures to ensure no repeat of any such attempts by any party in the future.

PUCL, Rajasthan Unit and Rajasthan Election watch has stated that the outfits will pursue the matter with the ECI and similarly the FIR will also be pursued by the complainants.

Related:

Complaints filed against PM Modi for promoting religious hatred during his Banswara rally, accusing opposition Congress of working to distribute country’s wealth to Muslims

CPI-M files complaint in Mandir Marg Police station Delhi, asks for FIR against PM Modi, VCK’s Thirumavalavan Thol writes to ECI for the poll code…

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Since April 21, the day when Prime Minister Modi delivered his controversial hate speech at Banswara rally, referring to Muslims as “intruders” and those with “more children”, there has been a flurry of complaints and criticism against the Prime Minister. Pertinently, in his speech, Modi had accused the opposition Congress party of willing to redistribute (Hindu) mothers’ and sisters’ wealth, particularly, gold and Mangalsutra, to Muslims.

CPI(M) office bearers Brinda Karat and Pushpinder Singh on April 22 filed a complaint with Mandir Marg police station, asking the latter to file the FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153A (promoting enmity of ground of religion), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), 298 (uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 505 (statements conducive to public mischief), but as Mandir Marg police station refused to accept their complaint, they sent it to Commissioner of Police, Delhi.

In a separate complaint to ECI, VCK’s MP from Chidambaram, Thirumavalavan Thol, has highlighted how the speech violates Model Code of Conduct, Representation of People Act, and ECI advisory dated March 1 for maintaining decorum by political parties and candidates.

Notably, four complaints have already been sent to Election Commission (EC) by CJP, ADR’s Jagdeep Chhokar, CPIM, and citizens collective of over 2200 citizens during the last couple of days, asking the EC to take appropriate action against the speaker.

Details about the complaints

In their complaint, CPI(M) has requested the police to register FIR against the Prime Minister, noting that “Sh. Modi intentionally and strategically used anti-Muslim tropes in order to convey an impression to the Hindu community that their property was under threat, as the assets of the community…would be distributed to members of the Muslim community by the Congress party. This has the effect of targeting individuals based on their membership of a group and exposes the group to hatred. It is utterly illegal to appeal for votes using hate speech as the Prime Minister has done.” It also cited the judgement delivered in Babu Rao Patel v. Delhi (Administration) (1980) 2 SCC 402, to underscore the pushback against communalism by the apex constitutional court of the country.

The complaint further argued that the speech promotes enmity between different communities and is threat to the national integrity of the country, especially to the unity of its citizens. It observed that our nation espouses values of secularism and equality for all its citizens, and the hate speech goes against these values. Furthermore, the speech propagates stereotypes against Muslims, vilifying the community, religion, and causing them immense harm, in addition to propagating false fear of Hindu marginalisation. Contextualising the incident, it concluded that “Given the context of the speech as part of campaigning, and given the impending elections, the words of the PM may well be inflammatory and lead to disastrous consequences…No citizen, no matter how high his position is above the law. It is therefore incumbent on you to file an FIR under the relevant provisions mentioned, against the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narender Modi.”

In a separate complaint filed by VCK MP Thirumavalavan Thol to Election Commission, it notes that the speech made by the PM resorts to “inflammatory remarks, resorting to blatant lies, crudeness, and communal dog-whistling against the Muslim community”, violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Section 123(3A) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA), and ECI issued advisory to political parties and candidates for maintaining decorum during the polls. It also highlights the trend of communal speeches made by the Prime Minister and observes that “It is alarming that this communal rhetoric follows a pattern in Shri Modi’s recent speeches, where he repeatedly invokes religious sentiments to garner support…We strongly condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s divisive rhetoric and urge the Election Commission of India to take immediate and strict action against him.” The complaint further remarks that such speeches are “disgraceful” and given with the aim of sowing “hatred and discord” among citizens, which should not be tolerated in a democratic setup. It also urged the ECI to strictly enforce the Model Code of Conduct to ensure that such speeches are not tolerated or repeated in the future.

Related:

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The post CPI-M files complaint in Mandir Marg Police station Delhi, asks for FIR against PM Modi, VCK’s Thirumavalavan Thol writes to ECI for the poll code violation appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Wife of Admiral Ramdas who passed away a month ago, Lalita Ramdas has written this letter from their farm, Lara Farm situated at Alibaug in Raigad district of Maharashtra where she is a community educator. The short but pithy communication calls for prompt action.

Lalita Ramdas’ father was the late Admiral Ram Dass Katari, and the first Indian to become Chief of Naval Staff in Independent India. Her husband, late Admiral L. Ramdas, also a Navy Chief, who passed away a month ago, has been a prominent public voice, often writing letters to the ECI – CEC – in the past few years,  expressing his concerns and anguish at the violations of the Constitution of India, to which all Servicemen take an oath of loyalty.

Lalitha Ramdas states that she is deeply disturbed and distressed at reports and visuals regarding the serious violation of the above mentioned provisions of the Model Code of Conduct – which also represent a violation of the Constitution. “Along with many other citizens of this country, I hereby urge the ECI, especially the Hon Chief Election Commissioner Shree Rajiv Kumar and other Honourable Election Commissioners to kindly respond to the public demand for taking action in this case, she concludes.

The text of the letter may be read below:

April 22, 2024

Hon’ble CEC & ECs of ECI,

Subject : Violation of (a) the Model Code of Conduct, (b) Sections 123(3) and (3A), 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code by Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister, in a speech in Banswara, Rajasthan, on April 21, 2024.

I am Lalita Ramdas, aged 84, a concerned senior citizen of this country and a registered voter in Alibag Taluka, Raigad, in Maharashtra. My husband and I have been casting our votes at the Kamarle Village School.

I am also an active community educator and have worked for over four decades with literacy, adult education and awareness building on the Constitution in urban and rural areas.

I also happen to be a Fauji daughter and Fauji wife.

My father, late Admiral Ram Dass Katari, was the first Indian to become Chief of Naval Staff in Independent India.

My husband, late Admiral L. Ramdas, also a Navy Chief, who passed away a month ago, has written letters to the ECI – CEC – in the past few years,  expressing his concerns and anguish at the violations of the Constitution of India, to which all Servicemen take an oath of loyalty.

I am deeply disturbed and distressed at reports and visuals regarding the serious violation of the above mentioned provisions of the Model Code of Conduct – which also represent a violation of the Constitution.

Along with many other citizens of this country, I hereby urge the ECI, especially the Hon Chief Election Commissioner Shree Rajiv Kumar and other Honourable Election Commissioners to kindly respond to the public demand for taking action in this case.

Thanking you in anticipation as a citizen representing We the People of India,

Yours Faithfully,

Lalita Ramdas

The post ECI: Daughter and wife of veterans, Lalita Ramdas urges action against violation of Model Code of Conduct by PM appeared first on SabrangIndia.

As the heated election campaign to Lok Sabha 2024 election begins, with the polling for the first phase of General Election already over, the issue of free and fair elections has been constantly flagged. While the use religion and promoting enmity on the grounds of religion to seek votes is a prohibited offence under Sections 123, 123(3A), and 125 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 (RPA) and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), this has not stopped parties and politicians from weaponing religion and targeting minorities in blatant disregard to established norms and rules. Though the MCC does not have a statutory backing, making it legally non-binding, it nonetheless serves as a moral code for parties during the elections. As for the RPA, it has a legal backing, and violation of Section 125 carries punishment of 3 years of imprisonment or fine, or both.

The latest low in the election campaign comes from none other than the Prime Minister of the country and BJP leader Narendra Modi, when he attacked the opposition Congress Party and its manifesto, alleging that the said party is working to collect and distribute country’s wealth to Muslims, giving the latter the first right over country’s wealth. The given election speech is in clear violation of Model Code of Conduct and the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, as it uses religion to influence voters’ choices to adversely affect the opposition party, while benefitting from the same.

The excerpt from the speech delivered by Modi in Banswara, Rajasthan, on April 21, reads, “Tum use chhinane ki baat kar rahe ho apne manifesto mein. Gold le lenge, aur sabko vitrit kar denge. Aur pehele jab unki sarkar thi to unhone kaha tha, ki desh ki sampatti par pehela adhikar Musalmano ka hai. Iska matlab, ye sampatti ikhatti karke kisko batenge…..jinke jyada bacche hai unko batenge…Ghuspaithiyo ko batenge. Kya apki mehenat ki kamayi ka paisa ghuspaithiyo ko diya jayega….Apko manzur hai ye… Ye congress ka manifesto ke raha hai ki wo matao aur beheno ka sone ka hisab karenge, uski jadti karenge, jankari lenge aur phir uss sampatti ko baat denge. Aur unko batenge…jinko Manmohan Singhji ki sarkar ne kaha tha ki sampatti par pehela adhikar musalmano ka hai. Bhaiyo beheno.. ye urban naxal ki soch.. mere matao aur beheno ye apka mangal sutra bhi bachne nahi denge”

English translation reads, “You [Congress] are referring to grabbing of that [gold and property] in your manifesto…They will take the gold and distribute it to all. When their [Congress] government was there, they had said that Muslims have the first right over country’s property. Whom they [Congress] will distribute to after accumulating the property? They will give to people who have more children … will your hard earned money be given to infiltrators… Do you accept it? This is what congress manifesto says that gold of mothers and sisters will be accounted, searched and inquired and then it will be distributed.. to Muslims, whom Manmohan Singh ji had said has the first right over property. Brothers and sisters, this is urban naxal mentality… my mothers and sisters, they [Congress] will not even leave your mangalsutra.”

Complaints against the speech

At least three complaints have been filed against Modi for his aforementioned speech with the Election Commission of India, urging the latter to take strict against the speaker, to ensure free and fair elections and stop hate-mongering against members of Muslim community.

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) gave a detailed complaint today to Election Commission of India (ECI) against PM Modi’s Banswara speech, tagging the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajeev Kumar, and Election Commissioners’ Gyanesh Kumar, and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. CJP emphasized in its complaint that the said speech is “nothing short of targeted and communal slurs against the Muslim community” and results in a polarized voting environment. It relied on relevant provisions of the law including Model Code of Conduct, Sections 123 and 125 of the Representation of Peoples Act, and Sections 153A (hate speech), 153B (speech affecting national integration), 298 (outraging religious sentiment), 499 (defamation), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), 505 (2) (statements promoting hatred between classes) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Urging the ECI to use its power under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution to ensure free and fair election, the complaint remarks that “The legal basis and tenet of free and fair must also include an election that is not marred by the imbalance and bias caused by religion-driven prejudice that tilts the scale ominously against the marginalised minorities.”

It also cited judicial precedents established in the cases of Mohinder Singh Gill v. Chief Election Commissioner, Abhiram Singh v. C.D. Commachen, and Ziyauddin Burhanuddin Bukhari vs Brijmohan Ramdass Mehra, to strengthen the legal basis of the complaint, as the given cases relate to the delimitation of the powers of ECI to ensure free and fair election, judicial interpretation on the applicability of the provisions of “corrupt practices”, and bar on invocation to religious appeal in the elections, respectively.

Additionally, CJP’s complaint also provides the correct context of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s targeted speech, which was twisted and taken out of context by the Prime Minister Modi, to show that the Dr. Singh’s speech was rather aimed at promoting affirmative action for members of vulnerable sections of the society, including SC/ST and Muslim citizens.

The complaint may be viewed here:

In a complaint filed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation on April 21, it requested the ECI to take “strict action” against PM Modi to ensure the any “any possibility of free and fair elections.” It notes that the speech delivered by the Prime Minister in Banswara attracts the provision under Section 123(3A) of RPA (promotion of feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes on grounds of religion, etc.) and violates Model Code of Conduct. The complaint further observes that it is a “disgraceful speech which is highly venomous, communal and hate-mongering in nature, aimed at promoting enmity between the citizens of India on grounds of religion, and seeks to vitiate the poll atmosphere and spread hatred against the Muslim community”.

CPI(ML) also flagged previous instances where Modi was found invoking religion, noting that, “this communal speech…follows up on his various speeches (speech on 6th April at Ajmer, Rajasthan, 7th April at Nawada, Bihar, speech on 9th April at Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh) where he has repeatedly made references to the Ram temple at Ayodhya and the Hindu community. We understand that there are several complaints pending with the ECI in regard to these speeches.”

The complaint may be viewed here:

In another complaint filed by Jagdeep S. Chhokar, the complaint asks the Election Commission to take action against speaker for violation of Model Code of Conduct, Sections 123(3)[1] and (3A)[2], 125[3] of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Section 153A[4] of the Indian Penal Code. Chhokar’s complaint encourage ECI to take prompt action in the case, recording that, “Given the election is already underway, it is absolutely necessary that the action be taken without any loss of time”. He pointed out that “Anyone watching the entire video will, in my opinion, will not be left in any doubt whatsoever that it is an election campaign video. Shri Modi is a star campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and actually names candidates contesting on behalf of the BJP.”

The complaint may be viewed here:

All the three complaints have provided a detailed transcription of the speech, with proper time stamp and links to the video, with CJP and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation even providing English translation of the speech for better comprehension of Election Commission.

Furthermore, citizens collective of over 2200 citizens have also sent their complaint to Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners through the digital channel, remarking that the said speech “…seriously undermines India’s stature as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ in the world. Further, approval of such hateful language that may alienate certain communities is at odds with egalitarian values enshrined in the Constitution of India and will only bring disrepute to India’s position as a “Vishwa Guru” or World Leader in the comity of nations.” It also cautioned the ECI, remarking that “The ECI’s failure to take any action against such hate speech will only undermine its credibility and autonomy that has been safeguarded and upheld by a series of exemplary officers before you.”

The complaint may be viewed here:

It remains to be seen now, what action, if any, Election Commission will take against the Prime Minister, given that Election Commission has often been accused of unduly favouring the ruling dispensation. Currently, the given speech is still available online, without any restriction.

Link to PM Modi’s Banswara speech attached below:

[1] Section 123 (3) of RPA: “The appeal by a candidate or his agent or by any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent to vote or refrain from voting for any person on the ground of his religion, race, caste, community or language or the use of, or appeal to religious symbols or the use of, or appeal to, national symbols, such as the national flag or the national emblem, for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate…”

[2] Section 123 (3A) of RPA: “The promotion of, or attempt to promote, feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of India on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language, by a candidate or his agent or any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate.”

[3] Section 125 of RPA: “Any person who in connection with an election under this Act promotes or attempts to promote on grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language, feelings of enmity or hatred, between different classes of the citizens of India shall he punishable, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.”

[4] Section 153(A) of Indian Penal Code: Sub-section 1(a) of the said Section reads “Whoever– (a) by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, promotes or attempts to promote, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will between different religious, racials, language or regional groups or castes or communities…” shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Related:

Rising tide of hate speech sours election climate, targeting religious minorities

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The post Complaints filed against PM Modi for promoting religious hatred during his Banswara rally, accusing opposition Congress of working to distribute country’s wealth to Muslims appeared first on SabrangIndia.

March 2024 was blotted with hate speeches in Maharashtra taking forward a trend that has been marked since the change in the state government in June 2022. This has given the state the dubious distinction of entertaining a spate of such hate events that have on occasion’s seriously disturbed social peace. The January 2024 incidents at Mira Road-Bhayander are the most recent examples (See here, here, and here).

This week, by April 3, 2024, we have dispatched four of the seven complaints to the Superintendents of Police (SPs) and DMs, urging prompt action, beginning with registration of complaints and investigation in these cases. Evidence of the videos of these controversial speeches have also been provided. In these complaints, CJP has urged registration of offences under IPC Sections 153A (promoting enmity), 505 (statements conducing public mischief), and in some cases under Section 506 (criminal intimidation).

The hate speeches that have been delivered by Kajal Hindustani, Nitesh Rane, and T. Raja Singh -all associated formally or informally with the ruling dispensation in the state – not only slur and denigrate the Muslim community by spreading Islamophobia, but they also promote enmity between different communities, propagate false conspiracy theories like “love jihad and land jihad” and most critically contain the threaten of physical violence.

Most crucially, we have invoked the binding judicial orders of the Supreme Court in the Shaheen Abdullah vs Union of Indian (Writ Petition (Civil) 940/2022) which mandate the police to suo moto register cases in incidents of hate speeches, as per law. Besides, several executive orders by the Director General of Police (DGP) Maharashtra have also been relied on in these complaints. In coming months, CJP will also monitor hate speech and address the issue before the Election Commission of India (ECI) since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in place.

Details of the complaints filed

Kajal Hindustani

A Gujarat resident, Kajal Singhala, better known as Kajal Hindustani, has been involved in numerous cases of hate speech, and was earlier arrested by the Gujarat police in April 2023 for delivering incendiary anti-Muslim speech at an event organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Una.

On March 5 at Hindu Janakroash Morcha rally organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj in Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, she delivered a hate speech targeting Muslims, and accusing them of pursuing Ghazwa-e-Hind (battle to take over India and make it into Islamic nation). During her speech, she recalled that there are four major challenges before the country, i.e., love jihad, land encroachment, religious conversion, and drugs. Charging the religious minority of encroachment, she said, “They systematically plan all of these. They find a place, arrange 4 pieces of bricks around it, put a green cloth over it, and make it mazaar. Gradually it will take the form of Dargah, and then, when the government would talk about demolishing it, they will engage in stone pelting against the government authorities and police.”

In this case, we sent our complaint to Dhananjay Kulkarni (Superintendent of Police, Ratnagiri) and M. Devender Singh (Collector, Ratnagiri) asking them to invoke IPC Sections 153A, and 505 (1) and (2).

In another video that emerged of her at Nagpur event organised by the same organisation on February 2 this year, she asked Hindus to socially boycott Muslims, arguing that any relation between a Hindu and a Muslim is impossible, as the latter wants to commit Ghazwa-e-Hind. In this case, we sent our complaint to Kamlakar Gaikwad (Superintendent of Police, Nagpur) and Vipin Itankar (Collector, Nagpur) asking them to invoke IPC Sections 153A, and 505 (1) and (2).

Similarly, on February 6, 2024 in a speech delivered at Shri. Shivaji High school in Navapur (Nandurbar), she urged that “Only buy groceries from Hindu brothers, only give jobs to Hindu brothers. If your Hindu brother is selling a Tomato at an expensive price than others, then buy less quantity but buy only from your Hindu brothers”, once again accusing the Muslim community of overbreeding, Ghazwa-e-Hind, and terrorism. In this case, we sent our complaint to Vinayak Mahamuni (Sub Divisional Officer, Nandurbar) and Manisha Khatri (Collector, Nandurbar) asking them to invoke IPC Sections 153A, 505 (1) and (2).

This theme was further repeated during her speech on January 31, 2024 at an event in Jalgaon. In this case, we sent our complaint to M Rajkumar (Superintendent of Police, Jalgaon) and Ayush Prasad (Collector, Jalgaon) asking them to invoke IPC Sections 153A, and 505 (1) and (2).

Nitesh Rane

Rane is BJP MLA from Kankavli assembly constituency, and another regular face when it comes to delivering inflammatory speeches. On 27 February he made an incendiary speech in Dongri, Thane, accusing the residents of land jihad and threatened to evict them. He said he will burn them in a generator, terming the residents as illegal Bangladeshis. Additionally, he warned the police to take law and order in his own hand if the police did not comply with his directives.

Cautioning the police, he said, “If you want to maintain law and order situation under control, then you must stop all this illegal activity. It is the police’s responsibility. We have told you and come today. Otherwise, we will come tomorrow and get into the buildings and send all the Bangladeshis to Bangladesh. That’s why we have come to give a final warning…Where these Bangladeshi and Rohingya are coming from, nobody knows…We will not let any Bangladeshis take our rightful land. Now under ‘land jihad’, if anyone tries to evict Hindus, then they must know we are all standing here like a wall for our Hindu people.”

In this case, we sent our complaint to Sadanand Mane (Senior Police Inspector, Dongri Police Station) and Ashok Shingare (Collector, Thane) asking them to invoke IPC Sections 153A, 505 (1) and (2), and 506. Incidentally, in the month of January 2024, he had been booked by the Mumbai police under IPC Section 153A for delivering the anti-Muslim inflammatory speech during his Solapur rally.

T. Raja Singh

On January 31 this year, Raja Singh, who is an MLA from Goshamahal assembly constituency in Telangana and facing more than 40 criminal charges, delivered a fiery speech in Saswad, Pune, inciting the crowd to provoke violence against Muslim community by peddling fake narratives in the name of Love Jihad, and threatened them to take over their religious places in Mathura and Kashi even as he boasted about the demolition of Babri Masjid. He can be heard in the video saying, “Wherever you Jihadis have demolished our temples and built mosques over it, I challenge you, not one of them will remain”. An excerpt from transcribed speech reads, “If you find any Love Jihadi, cow slaughterer, or someone indulging in religious conversion, then report about that person to the government or police in the first place, if they don’t act, then respond in the manner of Chatrapati Shivaji.” Furthermore, he encouraged arms training for Hindus in order to defend themselves against Muslim threat, and asked the crowd to get ready for “Hindu Rashtra”.

In this case, we sent our complaint to Pankaj Deshmukh (Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural) and Suhas Diwase (Collector, Pune) asking them to invoke IPC Sections 153A, and 505 (1) and (2).

In another speech made on January 30, 2024 in Hupri, Kolhapur, at Hindu Janjagruti Samiti event, he addressed the crowd and said that “If you want to shoot the laundons (apparent slurred reference is to Muslim youth) then join Bajrang Dal.” Accusing Muslims of religious conversion and overbreeding, he remarked, “Earlier we had one Afzal, but today we can see the illegitimate children of Afzal Khan on every nook and corner of the streets. You can see them everywhere.”

In this case, we sent our complaint to Mahendra Pandit (Superintendent of Police, Kolhapur) and Amol Yedge (Collector, Kolhapur) asking them to invoke IPC Sections 153A, and 505 (1) and (2).

Thus, it is evident from the analysis of such hate speeches that they often scripted with same concepts and conspiracy theories, repeated time and again, in one or the other form, whose only purpose seems to demonise religious minorities and create fear psychosis in the mind of ordinary citizens, especially Hindus.

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has Hate Watch as a clear programme wherein it monitors hate speeches made through different media and complaints to relevant authorities. As a civil liberties movement that has been at the forefront of defending citizens’ liberties, including freedom of speech and expression. At the same time, it consistently tries to ensure a distinction between hate (harm-inciting) speech and controversial (free) speech.

Hence apart from regular complaints to the National Broadcasting Statutory Digital Authority (NBDSA), on ground hate events are agitated before the jurisdictional police stations. Hence, pursuant to Supreme Court orders, CJP has actively pursued police authorities and has written several complaints to police and local administration since January this year against hate speeches delivered in Maharashtra by the fringe elements. In all our complaints we have tagged relevant Superintendent of Police (SP) or Senior Police Inspector of the concerned Police Station, and Collector of the district in which the reported incident of hate speech took place. Additionally, DGP of the state of Maharashtra, Rashmi Shukla, has been marked in the complaints despatched physically and through email.

The state of Maharashtra has been in the national news over the last few months as the growing instances of hate speech delivered in political rallies by the extremist leaders came to the limelight. On March 20 last year the issue grabbed the headlines as The Indian Express reported, “4 months, 50 rallies in Maharashtra, one theme: ‘Love jihad’, ‘land jihad’ and economic boycott”. As the Lok Sabha elections will begin from April 19, such incidents are most likely to increase further, which might not only attract penalties under various provisions of Indian Penal Code, but can also violate the Model Code of Conduct and the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

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The post CJP pursues Maharashtra police authorities to register cases in the incidents of hate speech delivered this year at various rallies across the state appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Nitesh Rane spoke to the media, stating the following, promising the residents of the area the same consequences as what happened in Mira Road, “Shivaji Nagar will also have the bulldozer. The Hindu here is also not safe. All of our Mankur-Shivajinagar area is becoming a mini-Bangladesh. Today our Hindu samaj stepped on the streets. Today here, a huge number of ‘illegal’ Masjids and madarsa are created by land jihad, these should be removed. Otherwise, we will do whatever we can – with the government. What happened in Mira Road, will happen here too, the bulldozer will be deployed.”

When asked what is the goal of the rally by the media persons present, he replied, “The goal is that the Bangladeshi and Rohingya population have been increasing here like anything.”

After violence struck Mumbai’s Mira Road in January, Nitesh Rane was reportedly witnessed at the site making allegedly incendiary statements in the tense neighbourhood. According to reports, Rane had posted during the tense environment a provocative post on X, wherein a section of his post had the following, “Chun chun ke marenge!!! Jai Shri Ram.”

Moreover, in a speech after the violence took place at Mira Road, Rane can also be reportedly heard stating that the government supports their actions as long as the ‘boss’ is in the ‘bungalow,’ saying “Do anything you want (trouble Muslims) and if police come your way, just call me for help, I’ll assure your safety. Police won’t do anything to me because our boss is sitting at ‘Sagar’ bungalow. If any officers come your way don’t forget to give him or her a tight slap. You don’t need to worry about anything, we’re with you. The government is with you.”

Related:

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The post BJP MLA Nitesh Rane leads Hindutva Rally in Govandi, demands demolition of “illegal Masjids and Madrasa” appeared first on SabrangIndia.

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.”

In Solapur, Maharashtra, Nitesh Rane, a BJP legislator from Kankavli constituency, delivers a dangerous speech openly advocating for violence against Muslims.

In his address, Rane called for gouging out eyes of those involved in “love jihad”. pic.twitter.com/ysbpjeQKO3

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) January 8, 2024

A FIR was registered against #BJP MLA #NiteshRane and the party’s #Telangana legislator #RajaSingh and others for alleged hate speeches during a ‘Hindu Jan Aakrosh’ rally in #Solapur, some 400 kilometers from #Mumbai, #Maharashtra.

The rally was held on Saturday between… pic.twitter.com/zzs2JiBr33

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) January 8, 2024

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.”

Former #Karnataka minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (#BJP) leader #KSEshwarappa on Sunday once again stoked a controversy after he asked #Muslims to vacate the mosques allegedly built on demolished temple lands. He warned them of dire consequences if they failed to do… pic.twitter.com/mxM6Uf1BD3

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) January 7, 2024

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.”

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Date: January 2

Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Shriraj Nair peddles conspiracy theories to stoke anti-Muslim sentiments at an event organized on Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute campus. pic.twitter.com/OarkNx1rF1

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) January 7, 2024

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.

Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh

At Akhand Vedant Sant Sammelan, school kids were made to take pledge against “love jihad.” pic.twitter.com/kBnvzjI0tQ

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) 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.”

In a media briefing, #MadhyaPradesh‘s #Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav allegedly urged [threatened] Malls, restaurants and institutions owners to install a replica of #RamMandir at their places ahead of Jan 22 inauguration.

His controversial statement triggered controversy.

He… pic.twitter.com/8LrmtKwJK0

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) January 8, 2024

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The post Hate speech surges again, BJP leaders among many who stoke communal fires appeared first on SabrangIndia.

1. Location: Patna, Bihar

Date: October 29

A hate speech targeting the Muslim community was delivered by Hindu supremacist monk Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati at an event in Patna. In his speech, he demonized the Muslim community and justified the use of violence against Indian Muslims while using disinformation from the Israeli-Hamas war. In addition to this, he weaponised violence against women to create fear in the mind of his target Hindu audience and raised calls for taking up arms against Muslims.

Extracts from the speech:

“How many people want a similar situation for us where, just like in Israel, these thieves chopped off the heads of small children and play football with it? How many people want these wild thieves want these to rape their daughters and their sisters, kill them and rape their dead bodies? How many people want these people to kill us and eat our hearts? None of us want this. This is why we have to be ready to fight and stand up against these people.”

“For the number of sons we have, we should have more number of weapons ready for them. We have to ensure that our sons are ready for the day these wild animals reach our home. We have to start preparing from now only as this is a long fight. It is your duty to ensure that the day these jihadis reach your house, no one should be left alive.”

“The threat that looms over Sanatam Dharam today is unprecedented.”

“Today, the whole world is ready to fight them. What are we Hindus doing? All of us are siting today hoping that a minister will do some magic trick and save us.”

“Today, India is on the verge being controlled by these jihadis. And, to reach this situation, it is not only the fault of these jihadis as they are just doing what they are taught in their books, we are also at fault. We have gone crazy licking the boots of the ministers. We do not have any ministers of any religious gurus who are willing to fight against these jihadis. We have to fight on our own to save our homes, our daughters, our temples and our religion.”

“If our population keeps on decreasing like this, then in 2029 itself, a Muslim will become the Prime Minister of India. They are also taking over our lands and our temples.”

The video can be accessed here:

Location: Patna, Bihar
Date: October 29

Hindu supremacist monk Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati delivers hate speech, demonizing and justifying the use of violence against Indian Muslims while using disinformation from the Israeli-Hamas war. pic.twitter.com/LLP0Af8p34

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) October 31, 2023

At a separate venue, in the state of Patna, Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati delivered another hate speech. In line with the problematic claims made by Yati Narsinghanand in the previous speech, he peddled unsubstantiated conspiracies related to the Israel-Hamas-Palestine conflict to give fire to the anti-Muslim sentiments prevalent in India. He raised calls for violence against Muslims and also spread conspiracy theories using the bogey of ‘Love-Jihad’.

Extracts from the speech:

“Love-jihad is nothing but jihad itself. Jihad takes place every second of every day. Prophet Mohammad has said that even if Jihad is not taking place, it should be on the mind of a Muslim all the time.”

“These thieves do not have any strength of their own, they are only pretending to have power due to our helplessness.”

“If you want to continue living and wish to stay alive, you will have to start preparing for a fight.”

“When these people were killing and raping innocents in Israel, the demons related to them who have spread out through the world started bursting crackers and celebrating it. But the Jews did not let this slide by. All the Jews stood up against these wild animals and took up arms. They responded to their attack on such a massive scale that all these wild animals started crying.”

“We pick up our newspapers and read about our army dying on the borders on a daily basis but we do nothing about it because we are all cowards and impotent. We need to return to our Sanatana Dharama and take action again.”

The video can be accessed here:

Location: Patna, Bihar
Date: October 29

Islamophobic monk Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati delivers an extremely hateful speech against Muslims and Islam. pic.twitter.com/yuGjlZycVS

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 1, 2023

2. Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Date: October 29, 2023

Harishankar Jain, the President of the Hindu Front for Justice, delivered a hate speech targeting Muslim places of worship and made unsubstantiated claims of temples being captured by the Muslim community in India.

Extracts from the speech:

“We have taken a resolution that we need to free the birth place of Lord Krishna and destroy that symbol of slavery. The common people of India cannot bear with that symbol of slavery for much longer.”

“I went to Goshala recently. I was surprised at the Hindus living there as they were living at a place that removed a 1000 years old temple. It became a mosque after that and Muslims used to offer Namaz there every Friday. I filed a petition on the same at the High Court which had been admitted.”

“There is a Laxman fort here. People have been referring to it as the fort with the mosque. I had filed a case against the same in the year 2013. It is the duty of every individual in Lucknow to get the Laxman fort free from every mosque.”

“It is own our choice to verify who we are going to buy vegetables from and who is our barber. We need to read the names before going to the shops. We can’t rely on Modi ji and Yogi ji for everything, we have to do this ourselves.”

The video can be accessed here:

Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
October: 29

Harishankar Jain, the President of the Hindu Front for Justice, delivers hate speech targeting Muslim places of worship. pic.twitter.com/RN3JNNkdgg

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) October 31, 2023

3. Location: Khagaria, Bihar

Date- Video uploaded on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) on November 1, 2023

Pankaj Singh, leader of the extremist organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad, delivered a hate speech targeting the Muslim community and making misleading statements on Muslims entrapping Hindu women with the aim of promoting enmity towards Muslims.

Extracts from the speech:

“A very big syndicate is being operated in India through which Muslim men are entrapping Hindu women. They trap these women in Love and keep thinking that their ‘Abdul’ or ‘Salim’ will not be the same as they others. One day, knowing that their families will not allow them to marry a Muslim, the Hindu woman take their clothes and run away with the Muslim man. These women then convert to Islam and then marry them. These men then stay with the woman for 1 or 2 years and then move on to entrapping other Hindu women.”

“They have fixed rates for converting Hindu women based on their castes. The Masjid committee in their district will give them the promised money. After getting the money, they sell them at a red-light area or in some other country. In some cases, if they don’t sell the girl, they end up killing them and discarding them in suitcases. Since many years, our Hindu girls are becoming victims of Love-Jihad.”

The video can be accessed here:

Location: Khagaria, Bihar

Vishwa Hindu Parishad Pankaj Singh delivers hate speech promoting enmity towards Muslims. pic.twitter.com/FJhienN5nR

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 1, 2023

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Attempts to give communal turn to blasts in Kerala unsuccessful, 3 cases filed by Kerala Police, CM Vijayan urges restraint & unity

The post Hate speech promoting divisive beliefs and defending acts of violence against Muslims delivered in Bihar, UP appeared first on SabrangIndia.