The Event and the Complaint

The Janata-NRC event, organized on October 22, 2024 by the right-wing outfit Sakal Hindu Samaj in Karad, was the venue for Chavhanke’s controversial address. The CJP complaint highlighted that Chavhanke’s speech, laden with Islamophobic and divisive content, not only violated ethical standards of political discourse but also breached the MCC, which governs the conduct of political leaders during the election period.

CJP is dedicated to finding and bringing to light instances of Hate Speech, so that the bigots propagating these venomous ideas can be unmasked and brought to justice. To learn more about our campaign against hate speech, please become a member. To support our initiatives, please donate now!

In the speech, Chavhanke allegedly claimed that Europe would soon cease to exist due to a Muslim takeover, making inflammatory statements about the growing Muslim population in India. He further propagated the debunked “love jihad” conspiracy theory and stated that India was at risk from “10 crore infiltrators,” referring to Muslims as a threat to Hindu culture and suggesting that they should be expelled from the country. These remarks, according to the CJP, were designed to create fear, manipulate public sentiment, and divide communities along religious lines.

CJP’s complaint, while condemning the hate speech, also referenced a recent FIR filed in Thane against another individual, Kajal Hindustani, for delivering a similar hate speech.

Key Allegations in the Speech

The complaint provides an in-depth analysis of Chavhanke’s speech, citing several excerpts that they argued violated the legal framework meant to ensure a fair and peaceful election process. The speech, according to the complaint, sought to create a sense of insecurity among Hindus by presenting Muslims as a demographic threat, manipulating fears about rising Muslim populations, and linking this to supposed threats like “Love Jihad” and “Land Jihad.”

One of the most controversial claims made by Chavhanke was the assertion that India faced a crisis of “infiltrators,” with an estimated 10 crore illegal Muslim immigrants in the country. He further suggested that the growing Muslim population would soon make Hindus a minority in several states by 2048. His remarks regarding Muslims being an “economic burden” on the nation and his demand for their expulsion were, according to the CJP, an incitement to religious hatred.

Chavhnake said in his speech that, “There are 10 crore intruders sitting in India. 1 crore in Maharashtra. 40 lakhs in Mumbai. 3.5 lakhs in your district. Infiltrators, those who came into the country without permission. Illegal citizens. Get this illegal citizen out now. Is it legal to say so or not? Is it morally right or not? Practical or not? Because all this money is a burden on this country from an economic point of view. It is also from a cultural point of view. From a social point of view, India is also burdened by this. Crime is also on very High Scale. And the biggest magic is that they are not a citizen of our country. So, can they stay here? But whoever says to take out those citizens is a patriot. I ask the Muslims of India like this, let’s start from Karad, how many Muslims in Karad, I appeal from here to Shahar Kazi, and the Shahar Maulana today, will you support us to evict the Indian infiltrators the city of Karad?” as per CJP’s complaint.

The video can be accessed through this link: https:
https://t.me/hindutvawatchin/669

Violation of Electoral Laws and the MCC

The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. It prohibits candidates, political parties, and other participants from using communal language or promoting division among the public. Chavhanke’s speech, as per the CJP’s complaint, clearly violated several provisions of the MCC by inciting communal hatred and promoting a divisive narrative.

In addition, the complaint also pointed out that Chavhanke’s actions violated the Representation of People’s Act (RPA) of 1951, specifically Section 123(3A), which prohibits any attempts to create or promote enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion, race, caste, or language to influence electoral outcomes. The CJP’s complaint argued that Chavhanke’s speech was an attempt to manipulate voters by appealing to religious sentiments, thereby undermining the democratic process.

The CJP also raised concerns regarding the safety of the Muslim community in Maharashtra, pointing out that such hate speech contributes to a growing atmosphere of intolerance and hostility, which can lead to real-world violence. The complaint urged the Election Commission and law enforcement authorities to take swift action against Chavhanke and other individuals who engage in similar hate speech, particularly during the election period.

CJP’s complaint dated November 8, 2024 can be read here:

Related:

Mtra Elections: On CJP’s complaint on an MCC violation FIR has been registered against Kajal Hindustani for hate speech

CJP Highlights MCC Violation: urges Maharashtra Election Commission to act on Hate Speech

CJP files complaint before Maharashtra Police against serial hate offender Kajal Hindustani

The post Suresh Chavhanke booked under s 123(3A) of RPA for violating MCC following CJP’s complaint appeared first on SabrangIndia.

CJP’s complaints emphasized that Chavhanke’s speeches promoted Islamophobia, religious intolerance, and harmful stereotypes. By spreading dangerous narratives such as “love jihad,” “land jihad,” and baseless fears of demographic change, he sought to polarize voters along religious lines, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. CJP urged the CEO Maharashtra to take immediate action against Chavhanke to uphold the principles of free, fair, and peaceful elections, ensuring that such hate speech does not go unpunished.

• Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune [November 7, 2024]

On November 7, 2024, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) filed a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra against Suresh Chavhanke for his inflammatory and divisive speech delivered on October 24, 2024, during the Janta NRC event. In his speech, Chavhanke claimed that 10 crore “infiltrators” should be removed from India, citing alleged court support, and referred to Muslim politicians as “traitors.” He also made derogatory remarks about Muslim-majority areas in Pimpri-Chinchwad, calling them “mini-Pakistan” and “no-go zones.” This speech constitutes a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which governs the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections to ensure fairness and a peaceful electoral process. Suresh Chavhanke said that “Now where did the figure of ten crores come from? Some journalist friends will be here. Some did not come here. But those are the two Namakharams of Hyderabad, traitors. Whether they watch anything else or not. They may miss a prayer. But he never misses what Suresh Chavhanke says at 8 PM.”

He further added that “Perhaps Hindus in India know me less. At that time, we were going from village to village. But friends I was telling you that defined. We won the court battle.”

“I know now. I asked when I was coming here, what happened in this place in Pimpri, Chinchwad and also Kundalwadi, Chikhli, Bhosari, Nigdi. No more Mini, no more Mini-Pakistan. There is a place in Mumbai. If you write the same name Pakistan, Pakistan on the postcard, still will reach there” he remarked.

CJP mentioned in its complaint that Chavhanke’s remarks were designed to stoke communal tensions by polarizing voters along religious lines and creating an atmosphere of hostility between Hindus and Muslims. By labeling Muslim-majority areas as foreign territories loyal to Pakistan, Chavhanke’s speech falsely portrayed Indian Muslims as a threat to national security and integrity. This dangerous rhetoric not only undermines the principles of free and fair elections but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes, portraying a specific religious group as outsiders and traitors.

CJP’s complaint to CEO Maharashtra on November 7, 2024 can be read here

• Ahmednagar [November 5, 2024]

On November 5, 2024, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) filed a complaint with the CEO Maharashtra against Suresh Chavhanke for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) with his hate-filled speech in Ahmednagar on October 20, 2024. In his speech, Chavhanke made derogatory remarks against the LGBTQ+ community, describing them as a propaganda tool aimed at undermining Hindu families and labeling them as part of “cultural terrorism.” He also made false claims about Christians targeting Ahmednagar for conversion efforts and stated that the phrase “Allah hu Akbar” was a supremacist statement designed to provoke Hindus. These comments were made during the Ahilyabai Holkar Anniversary celebration, a politically sensitive time during the election period.

As per CJP’s complaint, Chavhanke stated that “Men marry men, male marry male. A woman should marry a woman. Have you heard of LGBTQ? What going on is this? This is disinformation. Why should the family system be broken, while Hinduism and our Hindustan is surviving today beyond the thousand years reckoning of Islam. And if anything, the main reason for its survival is the Hindu family system and the contribution of women to it is the greatest.”

CJP’s complaint emphasized that Chavhanke’s speech not only mischaracterized Muslims, Christians, and LGBTQ+ identities but also promoted dangerous misinformation and hate. By injecting religious intolerance into the political discourse, Chavhanke’s statements violated the MCC’s guidelines, which are meant to ensure free and fair elections. His rhetoric fostered division and fear, equating the survival of Hinduism with the suppression of other communities. CJP called for immediate action, urging the CEO to address this inflammatory speech and its potential impact on the electoral process.

CJP complaint to CEO Maharashtra on November 5, 2024 can be read here

• Karad, Satara [November 8, 2024]

On November 8, 2024, CJP filed another complaint with the CEO Maharashtra regarding the violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Suresh Chavhanke for his inflammatory remarks delivered at the Janata-NRC event in Karad, Satara, Maharashtra on October 22, 2024. Chavhanke’s speech, marked by Islamophobic and divisive rhetoric, directly contravened the MCC, which is designed to ensure a peaceful, fair, and unbiased electoral process. During his address, Chavhanke made several false and harmful statements, including claiming that Europe would cease to exist in five years due to a Muslim takeover, promoting the baseless conspiracy of ‘love jihad,’ and alleging that India faces a crisis with 10 crore “infiltrators” threatening Hindu culture. He further warned that rising Muslim populations would soon render Hindus a minority, stoking fears of demographic change. Chavhanke also controversially praised Myanmar’s Wirathu for expelling Rohingyas and highlighted the refusal to vaccinate them against COVID-19.

Chavhanke stated in its complaint that “What will be the biggest problem of India at this time out of which Love Jihad, Land Jihad, Waqf Board, Terrorism is the cause of all the problems, if there is any reason, then the growing population of Muslims are in India. You say this is going on with democracy, isn’t it? Democracy has increased it. “But the population ratio kept changing. Pakistan was given in the name of Islam. It’s time to give Pakistan again, many states were given, 9 states, Hindu minority in 2011. Census 2021 has not been done, if it is not done now, there will be minorities in 13 states. In the year 2048, it will become a minority. What is today 2024. After how many years, exactly 24 years. It will be appropriate for everyone sitting here to see 24 years” as per CJP’s complaint to CEO Maharashtra.

CJP’s complaint emphasized that Chavhanke’s statements were not only Islamophobic but also sought to incite religious fear and hatred. By linking the growing Muslim population in India to fabricated threats like “love jihad,” “land jihad,” and terrorism, Chavhanke portrayed Muslims as a threat to the nation’s security and social fabric. His remarks were designed to stoke fear of Muslims “outbreeding” Hindus, furthering the dangerous narrative that India was on the brink of becoming a Muslim-majority state. Through this rhetoric, Chavhanke attempted to polarize voters along religious lines, undermining the democratic process and the integrity of the election.

CJP complaint to CEO Maharashtra on November 8, 2024 can be read here

However, CJP, in its complaints, highlighted a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the Representation of the People Act, emphasizing the importance of political parties and candidates refraining from actions that deepen existing divisions or foster animosity between communities. Suresh Chavhanke’s inflammatory rhetoric, which included portraying the religious slogan “Allah hu Akbar” as a threat to other communities and making derogatory remarks against the LGBTQ+ community, sought to incite fear and mobilize support in ways that the MCC explicitly aimed to prevent. These divisive and hate-driven attempts to manipulate the electorate along religious lines directly violated the electoral code and called for immediate legal and electoral intervention. CJP strongly urged the CEO Maharashtra to take cognizance of the enclosed video, register a case against Chavhanke, the event organizers, and all identified perpetrators, and ensure their arrest for cognizable offenses under the relevant sections.

Related:

Suresh Chavhanke: The face of Hate Journalism

CJP moves NCM against Suresh Chavhanke for his Islamophobic remarks

Hate Watch: Suresh Chavkhane asks Muslim women to marry Hindu men

The post CJP moves CEO Maharashtra with three complaints over Suresh Chavhanke’s MCC violations appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Who is Suresh Chavhanke?

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

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

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

Criminal cases linked to Suresh Chavhanke

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

Accused of Rape, attempt to murder and fraud

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

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

Arrested in year 2017 for inciting communal hatred

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

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

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

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

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

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

लगे रहिए, एक दिन ऐसा भी आयेगा… #Owaisi भी घर वापसी कर भजन गाएगा ! हर हर महादेव !! pic.twitter.com/4NAGybLQQa

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) July 21, 2022

Hyderabad: Suresh Chavhanke booked for morphed video of Asad Owaisi

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

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

Chavhanke’s call for arms and radicalisation

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

pic.twitter.com/jzz2iUqtlm

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) October 25, 2020

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

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

UPSC Jihad: a failed attempt of Sudarshan News

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

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

#सावधान
लोकतंत्र के सबसे महत्वपूर्ण स्तंभ कार्यपालिका के सबसे बड़े पदों पर मुस्लिम घुसपैठ का पर्दाफ़ाश.

#UPSC_Jihad #नौकरशाही_जिहाद

देश को झकझोर देने वाली इस सीरीज़ का लगातार प्रसारण प्रतिदिन. शुक्रवार 28 अगस्त रात 8 बजे से सिर्फ सुदर्शन न्यूज़ पर.@narendramodi @RSSorg pic.twitter.com/B103VYjlmt

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) August 25, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting cautioned the Sudarshan News

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

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

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

Chavhanke’s habitual indulgence in spreading hate and divisive propaganda

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

Chavhanke’s demeaning comment on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

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

Sharing this picture, Chavhanke wrote;

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

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

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

Attacks on Muslims and Christians

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

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

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

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

Nexus with other serial hate offenders

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

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

Names of roads in Delhi to be changed to Hindu leaders

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

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

Incited violence and clash against the Muslim community

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

चलो संगमनेर!
संगमनेर का इस्लामीकरण रोकने के लिए।
दिल्ली के लाल क़िले से सुरेश चव्हाणके जी दिया नारा। दिल्ली से भी आयेंगे लोग।
6 जून, सुबह 9 बजे ज़्यादा से ज़्यादा संख्या में सहभागिता करें। pic.twitter.com/8YcUyV0UEM

— TeamHindu (@TeamHinduOrg) June 4, 2023

Repercussions due to Chavhanke’s speech in Sangamner:

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

किसी भी हाल में संगमनेर का भगवा मोर्चा होगा ही। सरकार से सहयोग अपेक्षित @Dev_Fadnavis @mieknathshinde @DGPMaharashtra @NagarPolice pic.twitter.com/S30j1bapvM

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) June 5, 2023

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

महाराष्ट्र के संगमनेर मे “भगवा मोर्चा”में हिन्दुओं का जन सागर। #HinduHunkarSabha
pic.twitter.com/q3HmIAfuSZ

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) June 6, 2023

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

महाराष्ट्र, संगमनेर

सुरेश चव्हाणके ने भगवा मोर्चा निकाला था!
भीड़ को उकसा रहा था!

भीड़ ने कई दुकानो पर हमला किया, खूब बवाल काटा!

भीड़ पर तोड़ फोड़ के भी आरोप लग रहे है!

सभी जानते है सुरेश TV से लेकर सड़क तक रोज़ लोगो को धर्म विशेष के प्रति भड़काता है!pic.twitter.com/vl59hkJnnT

— Sadaf Afreen صدف (@s_afreen7) June 6, 2023

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

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

Accused of propagating fake “Spite Jihad Theory”

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

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

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

मेवात में हिंदुओं के ख़ात्मे का क्रम जारी है।
आज तो महाभारत क़ालीन यात्रा को रोक कर कई हिंदुओं को मार डाला है।

गोलीबारी आगज़नी से लेकर बहुत कुछ

आज के बिंदास बोल में रात 8 बजे दिखाऊँगा। pic.twitter.com/rYqEJ4Sg14

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) July 31, 2023

Detailed story by Sabrang India can be read here

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

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

Chavhanke through his video segment, made the following claims,

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

जिस वक़्फ़ बोर्ड को कबर में गाड़ना चाहिए उसे महाराष्ट्र सरकार ने १० करोड़ रूपये की ख़ैरात क्यों दी?

लोकसभा चुनाओ में मोदी को हराने के लिए जिन्होंने वोट जिहाद किया, उनको एकनाथ शिंदे जी रिटर्न गिफ़्ट क्यों दे रहें है?

मतलब अब अफ़ज़ल खान पीठ में ख़ंजर मारेगा तो उसका पेट फाड़ने… pic.twitter.com/dElSf5f6ii

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) June 14, 2024

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

मेरे साथ हिंदू राष्ट्र की शपथ लेते हुए हिंदू युवा वाहिनी के शेर और शेरनियां #HinduRashtra @myogiadityanath pic.twitter.com/AVt1QqHb1x

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) December 19, 2021

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

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

CJP’s fight against hate events promoted by Suresh Chavhanke

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

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

Sudarshan News editor Suresh Chavhanke continues his anti-Muslim hate propaganda unabated acting with impunity. pic.twitter.com/i7QIn5QVfX

— SWAG Report (@SwagReport) September 6, 2022

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

This is from #Nagar, #Maharashtra. #SudarshanNews owner #SureshChavhanke continues to deliver anti-Muslim hate speeches across various parts of Maharashtra state.#Hindutva #HateSpeech pic.twitter.com/IOCVOAIucu

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) January 29, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related

CJP moves NCM against Suresh Chavhanke for his Islamophobic remarks

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

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

The post Suresh Chavhanke: The voice of extremism and champion of division media appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In his video segment, he made the following claims, 

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

Who is Suresh Chavhanke?

Suresh Chavhanke is a shrill, right wing Hindutva journalist who is the current chairman, managing director (CMD) and the editor-in-chief of  Sudarshan TV Channel Limited. He is the anchor of TV show Bindas Bol. His ties with the Rashtroya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are long standing, having been a member since the age of 3 years when he started attending its ceremonies. As a member of RSS, he had worked as a reporter of pro-RSS newspaper, Taun Bharat.  He has held several posts in RSS before becoming a “full-time reporter”. He launched Sudarshan News channel in 2005 in Pune and later shifted it to Noida.]  

Repeat Offender 

Sudarshan TV News editor-in-chief Chavhanke has been repeatedly accused of hate speech. The  Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has consistently filed complaints against him to the National Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) due to his inflammatory speeches. A 2023 analysis by Sabrang India also seemed to show that where Suresh Chavhanke gave speeches, communally charged violence used to soon follow. For instance, since December 2022, Chavhanke had made five hate speeches in Maharashtra, specifically in Jalgaon (December 25, 2022), Ahmednagar (February 6), Pune (February 15), Aurangabad (March 19), and Nashik (March 22). Violence against Muslims erupted on March 28, 2023. Additionally, Chavhanke played a significant role in the controversy surrounding the renaming of Aurangabad through his programme on Sudarshan TV. 

जिस वक़्फ़ बोर्ड को कबर में गाड़ना चाहिए उसे महाराष्ट्र सरकार ने १० करोड़ रूपये की ख़ैरात क्यों दी?

लोकसभा चुनाओ में मोदी को हराने के लिए जिन्होंने वोट जिहाद किया, उनको एकनाथ शिंदे जी रिटर्न गिफ़्ट क्यों दे रहें है?

मतलब अब अफ़ज़ल खान पीठ में ख़ंजर मारेगा तो उसका पेट फाड़ने… pic.twitter.com/dElSf5f6ii

— Dr. Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) June 14, 2024

In a new government resolution from June 10, the Maharashtra Minority Development Department has announced that the Waqf Board will be allocated Rs 2 crore from the Rs 10 crore budget, which is being set aside for minority welfare in the 2024-25 financial year. This directive was issued by Moin Tashlidar, the Deputy Secretary in the Maharashtra government.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also added to this and called out the Maha Yuti government, which is led by the BJP in Maharashtra, for allocating a grant of 10 crore rupees to the state Wakf Board. Mohan Salekar of the VHP, has spoken against the state government for “strengthening” the Waqf Board through this step. Salekar stated that the VHP is completely opposed to this grant, stating that the Maha Yuti government is taking actions that even the previous Congress-led government did not undertake and accused them of ‘minority appeasement.’

As per the Indian Express, the state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has responded to these comments saying, “The funds allocated by the state government was for digitisation of the Waqf Board. The process was necessitated to fix the wrongs. It would help to identify the land which has been wrongly acquired from Hindus and tribes and backward classes.” He also decried any claims accusing the government of minority appeasement. 

As per Deccan Herald, the budget for the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs was again slashed by 38 % in the last fiscal year. Earlier it had been ₹5,020.50 crore in 2022-23 in 2023-24 it was ₹3,097.60 crore. 

Related

Five hate speeches given by Suresh Chavhanke in July, CJP moves NCM

Suresh Chavhanke’s hate filled rhetoric leaves behind a trail of violence

Another hate speech by Suresh Chavhanke, second complaint by CJP: Srirampur, Maharashtra

Suresh Chavhanke’s hate mongering continues with immunity: Shrirampur, Ahmednagar

FIR against Suresh Chavhanke in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Repeat offender among suspects in lynching of Muslim man in Gujarat

Targeting Muslims in Ramzan: Lynching, assault, harassment mar the holy month in India

The post Suresh Chavhanke, notorious for hate speech, lashes out at the Maharashtra government for allocating funds to minorities appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Documented below are six speeches. Except for one speech, the rest of the hate speeches are either given by BJP legislators or at an election rally for the BJP party. Three of the speeches reported below were given by Assam BJP Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Additionally, except for one speech, the remaining five were delivered at poll bound states. The hate speeches are as follows:

1. Location: Naramadapuram, Madhya Pradesh

Date: November 11

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered a communal speech at a rally with the aim of spreading anti-Muslim sentiments and polarising the voters. He targeted Madrassas in his speech and accused the Congress party of Muslim appeasement by refusing to visit the Ayodhya temple after its inauguration.

The speech:

“Three years ago, I became the Chief Minister of Assam. In the beginning of my tenure, I received a file regarding giving salaries to the teachers of a Madrassas. I asked what kind of a shops is this Madrassa, are the students at Madrassas becoming engineers or doctors? And then they told me that only M***a are manufactured here at Madrassas. And then I told my subordinate that am I responsible for making a M***a? I asked them to close down this shop, to which my subordinate said that we cannot do that there will be an uproar. I told him that now that there is a BJP government in the state, no one will have the power to create any chaos.”

“In the last three years, did you see any Congress party member going to the Ram Lalla temple? They have no such plans because these people do not want your votes, they only want the votes of the Babars and the Aurangzebs.”

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Naramadapuram, Madhya Pradesh
Date: Nov 11

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivers another communal speech to polarise voters. pic.twitter.com/qxWGQBqFaR

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 12, 2023

2. Location: Patan, Neemkathana, Rajasthan

Date: November 9

BJP MP (Member of Parliament) Mahant Balaknath Yogi delivered an anti-Muslim hate speech and spread misinformation regarding the Kanhaiya murder case to instigate the Hindu audience. 

Extracts from the speech:

“The culprits of Kanhaiya’s murder are given bail, Kanhaiya is yet to get justice. On the other hand, a small incident takes place in Jaipur and the CM announces a compensation of 50 lakh for them.”

“We are not granted permission to take our religious processions or put religious symbols outside of our houses, while they are allowed to have parties and take out rallies.”

“During the time of Ramzan, fatwas are declared for the whole state of Rajasthan and the government even organises water, food and other celebrations for them. On the other hand, there has been no for Kanhaiya. Can you imagine what would have happened had an incident like this taken place in UP (Uttar Pradesh)? I think no one would have even dared to commit such a crime in that state.”

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Patan, Neemkathana, Rajasthan
Date: Nov 9

BJP Member of Parliament Mahant Balaknath Yogi continues to deliver communal speeches to polarise voters. pic.twitter.com/RsVi6W2cyO

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 11, 2023

3. Location: Chhapikheda, Rajgadh, Madhya Pradesh

Date: November 9

Another speech was delivered by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma which was filled with anti-Muslim dog whistling during an election rally. With the aim of gaining votes, Biswa targeted opposition leader Digvijay Singh by accusing him supported the Popular Front of India (PFI). 

The speech:

“They (Congress party members) go to every temple except for the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya as they know that if they go there, the Babars and Aurangzebs will be upset. All the Hindus are ready to visit Ram Lalla temple on January 22, are we not? But only the Congress people are not willing. If one has to rule based on the votes of Babars, they should rather sit at home and not rule at all.”

“Today, if any PFI member is arrested, Digvijay Singh states that they have arrested innocent people and 97% of them are innocent, I want to ask Digvijay Singh that if Lashkar-e-Taiba and PFI are not behind the bomb blasts, is Congress behind them? Why do you always support PFI and always demean Hindus? Only one Hindu in India always insults Bharat Mata and that is Digvijay Singh.

“If I don’t speak about Babar, Akbar and Aurangzeb, then who do I talk about because the Hindu of India remains in trouble because of these rulers only? I have told the Election Commission of India that till the time I am in politics; I will keep on making statements against Akbar and Babar and no one can stop me.”

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Chhapikheda, Rajgadh, Madhya Pradesh
Date: Nov 9

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivers a communal speech filled with anti-Muslim dog whistling during an election rally. pic.twitter.com/EJWgOGbUwP

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 11, 2023

4. Location: Janjgir-Champa, Chhattisgarh

Date: November 6

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma continues to deliver election speeches filled with anti-Muslim dog whistling.

The speech:

“Congress took out something I might have said against Akbar and filed a complaint against me with the Election Commission of India. I want to ask them a question on why they love Akbar so much. Now we have even destroyed the Babar Mosque and made it into our Ram Temple, which will be inaugurated on January 11, and yet you are still in love with Akbar. One of them are even encouraging forced religious conversions and the other one has given the Chhattisgarh rea to Akbar.”

“We have to fight against forced religious conversion and also ensure that the Mughal rule of Akbar and Babar do not come back in India. So, while I can be okay with Hindus and Muslims living together, my fight will be against all the new Babars and Aurangzebs so that they cannot rule our country once again.”

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Janjgir-Champa, Chhattisgarh
Date: Nov 6

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma continues to deliver election speeches filled with anti-Muslim dog whistling. pic.twitter.com/qyhcqJkZMl

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 10, 2023

5. Location: Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan

Date: November 4

At an election rally in support of BJP legislator Surendra Singh Rathore, a Hindu far-right monk used hateful rhetoric against Muslims and raised called for Hindu youths to pick up swords to protect their religion.

The speech:

“There is a pertinent need for us to worry about our country because we are unaware of the height of the preparations being made to target us. Our holy country, our Hindu nation and our religion is under threat. They are planning to sell, convert and destroy our country.”

“A conspiracy of Jai Bhem and Jai Meem is going on. They entice people, influence us in order to make their own governments. When our country gained Independence, the 22% Hindu population present in Pakistan was not allowed to leave from there. They stopped the SC/ST and Harijan community from leaving because they knew that if these people leave, no one will pick up animal carcasses and clean the country and it will start stinking. Today, the 22% population of Hindus have been reduced to 1.5% only. These people kidnapped the daughters of Hindus and then forcefully converted the Hindus living there to lessen the population. Only in places that they are lesser in population do Muslims believe in brotherhood. In their majority, Hindus become their food.”

“The young present here, I know these are the days that you should eat and play, but these are also the days that you should pick up swords. You should go meet people in our society and make them aware of this.”

“Only vote for those who promise that they will declare India as a Hindu nation.”

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
Date: Nov 4

At an election rally in support of BJP legislator Surendra Singh Rathore, a Hindu far-right monk used hateful rhetoric against Muslims and called on Hindu youths to pick up swords. pic.twitter.com/DT06F1NggR

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 11, 2023

6. Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Date: October 14

Notorious repeated hate offender and hate speaker Suresh Chavhanke delivered yet another hate speech using dehumanizing language against Muslims and gave open calls to violence. He peddles bogey conspiracy of the increasing Muslim population as well as temples being demolished to build Mosques.

The speech:

“We have to expel all the traitors from our country. We have to ask Maharaj ji on the issue of population by telling him that we stop ourselves at 2 children, while those people are still carrying on with four wives and 44 children. We should ask him for a solution on this otherwise it will not be good for us.”

“I want to ask all of you whether there are any ashrams in Pakistan? There are no ashram, no Hindu saints and sadhu in Pakistan. That is why I say that only till the time Hindus are there will there be any ashrams and sadhu left. And only when these ashrams and saints are protected will we be able to secure Sanatan Dharam.”

“When we deal with the issue of these traitors, we use hammers as we know that ‘Laato ke bhoot baaton se nahi maante’ (those who know the language of violence do not understand the language of non-violence)”

“I always say that those who are not good should only be given one chance. After that, we shoot them. If the disease stays inside a human being for too long, they cause more issues, don’t they? In the same way, being dishonest to your own country is a disease. We approach our government to make laws to punish these traitors and these dishonest people, which got me thinking that every disease can be cured in this ashram so we should ask the Maharaj himself on how to control this disease.”

“The father of Aurangzeb was Shah Jahan. A lie is told about Shah Jahan that he constructed the Taj Mahal. In reality, Shah Jahan had constructed Tejo Mahal and Taj Mahal had been built by rulers from Rajasthan. And yet, we say that Taj Mahal was constructed by Shah Jahan.”

“Aurangzeb wanted to become a ruler fast, so he killed his own brother and then imprisoned his father. During imprisonment, Aurangzeb prohibited Shah Jahan any drinking water. On this, Shah Jahan said that even the Kaafir Hindus were better than his own son as they even feed their own dead ancestors.”

“We are celebrating 75^th year of Independence. The government has declared it to be an Amrit Mahotsav. But, I refuse to believe that our country is a fully independent nation as the birth spot of our Lord Krishna is yet to be free from beneath a Mosque. How do I celebrate Amrit Mahotsav knowing that the idols of pour Lord Krishna were broken and buried beneath the stairs of the Mosque in Agra? How do I celebrate anything when I know that on a daily basis, thousands of Namazi step on those idols? Should we call such a nation independent?”

“4 lakh temples have been demolished in India and Mosques have been built over them.”

“It is our agenda now to ensure that within one year, we work towards ensuring that this nation becomes a Hindu nation and is declared so.”

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Date of Event: October 14

Suresh Chavhanke delivered hate speech using dehumanizing language against Muslims and gave open calls to violence. pic.twitter.com/N61pgduJ1K

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) November 11, 2023

Related:

Uplifting Tales of Compassion: Acts of cattle caring illuminate the human spirit’s triumph amidst hate

Assault on students during peaceful protest in Allahabad protested, complaint to NHRC

Criminals in costume: impersonating as Muslims when committing crimes is a rising trend

Bittu Bajrangi indulges in moral policing, delivers hate speech, violates bail conditions

Madhya Pradesh: Hate speeches mar the state election campaigns

The post Trend of divisive politics continues, 3 hate speeches by Assam CM in poll bound states appeared first on SabrangIndia.

CJP has meticulously documented the instances of Chavhanke’s inflammatory rhetoric targeting minority communities, promoting misinformation, and inciting division among various religious groups and submitted a comprehensive complaint to the NCM. CJP’s complaint underscores the pressing need for immediate action to prevent potential violence, erosion of social harmony, and the violation of legal and ethical standards.

The complaint filed against Chavhanke emphasizes several critical points that underscore the gravity of the situation. Through this complaint, CJP aims to shed light on the deeply troubling nature of Chavhanke’s actions and the urgent need for intervention to prevent further harm. Following is a summary of what the speeches entailed, a brief overview of the speeches covered in the complaint sent-

1. 1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Chavhanke suggested that a Muslim place of worship could be forcibly converted into a temple if judicial decisions did not align with his preferences. He voiced anti-Muslim sentiments, inciting violence and mistrust among communities.
   2. Kopargaon, Maharashtra: Chavhanke mocked Islamic religious practices, called for banning loudspeakers at mosques, and spread conspiracy theories about Madrassas. His divisive rhetoric undermined mutual understanding and respect.
   3. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh: He made unsubstantiated claims about mosques being constructed over temples and incited action to “free” these alleged temples. Chavhanke’s speeches promoted religious supremacy and defied established legal processes.
   4. Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh: Chavhanke propagated conspiracy theories, distorted historical facts, and incited animosity against specific communities. His speech aimed to create a narrative of threat to Hindu heritage.
   5. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Inflammatory speeches by Chavhanke and other speakers endorsed violent actions, promoted religious exclusivity, and incited hostility. The speeches spread fear and undermined the unity of India’s diverse society.

The complaint to NCM draws attention to the disturbing recurrence of hate speech by Chavhanke. The instances presented in the complaint occurred across multiple locations in July reveals a consistent pattern of incendiary rhetoric targeting minority communities. This pattern illustrates the alarming escalation of Chavhanke’s divisive agenda and the danger it poses to social harmony. Furthermore, the complaint underscores how Chavhanke’s speeches not only incite violence but also contribute to the growing hostility and tension between different religious groups. By openly advocating actions against specific religious sites and communities, his words hold the potential to translate into real-world conflicts and harmful consequences.

The complaint also highlights Chavhanke’s reliance on misinformation and conspiracy theories to fuel his divisive agenda. His use of baseless claims perpetuates negative stereotypes and spreads false narratives about different religious practices and communities. This misinformation exacerbates existing prejudices and animosities, further eroding the trust and coexistence necessary for a harmonious society.

By fostering mistrust, resentment, and division among communities, his speeches undermine the values of inclusivity and mutual respect that are vital for maintaining peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.

Lastly, the complaint stresses Chavhanke’s disregard for established legal processes and the rule of law. His defiance of judicial directives, as well as his promotion of vigilantism and actions that bypass legal mechanisms, raises concerns about the integrity of democratic institutions and accountability.

Finally, CJP has prayed for specific directions from the NCM: for decisive action in response to the alarming instances of hate speech by Chavhanke by acknowledging the complaint’s gravity under section 9(1)(d) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Additionally, the complaint has sought the Commission’s intervention to summon Chavhanke for examination, closely monitor investigations under sections 9(4)(a) and (b) to (e) of the NCMA, and direct the respective Directors General of Police (DGP) to conduct comprehensive investigations.

The complaint also urges the Commission to ensure the submission of Action Taken Reports and progress updates from the police of concerned states, and to issue any relevant additional directions. By invoking the Commission’s authority, CJP emphasises the need for thorough scrutiny, accountability, and appropriate measures to counteract hate speech and preserve social harmony.

The complete complaint can be read below:

Related:

Suresh Chavhanke’s hate filled rhetoric leaves behind a trail of violence

Maharashtra: Suresh Chavhanke stirs controversy of “Spit Jihad” again, targets Muslim businesses

Hate speech by Suresh Chavhanke at god man Dhirendra Shashtri event

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

CJP complains against Suresh Chavhanke for Sangamner hate speech

Suresh Chavhanke’s speech in Sangamner results in stone pelting post rally?

Another hate speech by Suresh Chavhanke, second complaint by CJP: Srirampur, Maharashtra

The post Five hate speeches given by Suresh Chavhanke in July, CJP moves NCM appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Chavhanke, the editor-in-chief of Sudarshan TV News, has been involved in numerous incidents of hate speech. Complaints about his behaviour have been lodged by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) to the National Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA). Chavhanke’s unabashed rhetoric has often been a subject of public and legal scrutiny, with several arguing that his statements tend to veer dangerously close to inciting violence. The allusion to the “Gujarat model” of 2002, an episode marred by communal violence and upheaval with accusations of a deliberate inaction by the state government, raises serious questions about the intentions behind such inflammatory remarks. In fact, Chavhanke has been tweeting seemingly inflammatory content in a similar vein about Haryana since the 31st of July, 2023. He has been tweeting about an alleged conspiracy to ‘eradicate Hindus’ from Mewat, in Haryana. It seems that the lack of regard for legal consequences by individuals like Chavhanke is a grave concern.

मेवात में हिंदुओं के ख़ात्मे का क्रम जारी है।
आज तो महाभारत क़ालीन यात्रा को रोक कर कई हिंदुओं को मार डाला है।

गोलीबारी आगज़नी से लेकर बहुत कुछ

आज के बिंदास बोल में रात 8 बजे दिखाऊँगा। pic.twitter.com/rYqEJ4Sg14

— Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) July 31, 2023

Sabrang India made a close observation of Suresh Chavhanke’s hate speeches and found that they reveal a troubling pattern: a considerable number of locations where he delivered his incendiary addresses experienced subsequent communal violence against minority communities.

For instance, since December 2022, Chavhanke has made five hate speeches in Maharashtra Jalgaon (on December 25, 2022), Ahmednagar (on February 6), Pune (on February 15), Aurangabad (on March 19) and Nashik (on March 22). Following these events, Jalgaon saw violence against Muslims from March 28th, 2023 onwards. The controversy of renaming Aurangabad had dogged Maharashtra for a while, and Chavhanke had contributed significantly to the controversy by his programme on Sudarshan TV.

In Purola, Uttarakhand, according to Sabrang India, a Mahapanchayat was not given permission by the administration due to law and order concerns following which Chavhanke had resolved to have the speakers from the cancelled event on his show and hence hold the Mahapanchayat himself.

“If the government did not give place to the banned Mahapanchayat of Uttarkashi, then the panchayat is being held in Sudarshan Studio #BindasBol,” he tweeted, seeking to organise a Mahapanchayat in defiance of High Court orders, according to news reportage by the Wire.

Following these events, violence took place in Uttarakhand in the form of a boycott of Muslims.  Over 20 Muslims families were forced to migrate from the state. Posters began to appear across Purola, asking Muslim traders to leave before a proposed Mahapanchayat – which was later disallowed by the district administration – on June 15.

In the rally on June 6 which saw the presence of Sudarshan News editor-in-chief and notorious hate speech propagator, Suresh Chavhanke. During the rally, he warned against “love jihad” and made a provocative statement, suggesting that Sangamner, Maharashtra could transform into Pakistan. He further urged Muslim girls to marry Hindu men as a means of protection. The Bhagwa Morcha had organised a march in Sangamner, after a reportedly minor traffic issue took place on May 28th 2023.  The march has taken a violent turn as protestors began to allegedly pelt stones, hurled abuses at Muslims, and attacked shops.

According to Newslaundry, this violence was the affected and even a ‘by product’ by the activities of a coalition Hindutva group called Sakal Hindu Samaj on June 6, 2023. Suresh Chavhanke was also a speaker at the event by Sakal Hindu Samaj and spoke about ‘love jihad’, urged Muslim women to marry Hindu men, and also raised conspiracies about Sangamner turning into Pakistan.

On February 6, 2023, an event took place in Nagar, in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, where Suresh Chavhanke delivered a controversial speech that fuelled anti-Muslim sentiments. In his speech, he urged people to defy the Supreme Court and work and support towards establishing a Hindu nation with him as its leader. Chavhanke furthermore accused the Supreme Court of influencing the Delhi Police’s actions against him. The speech from Nagar starts with Suresh Chavhanke shouting, “What should we go for? Let’s go for a Hindu Rashtra.  We have to bring in a Hindu Rashtra.”

Following this event, on May 15, 2023, communal violence erupted in Maharashtra’s Akola, and later that night, similar communal violence occurred in Ahmednagar district, resulting in at least five individuals being injured. The violence was triggered by a dispute over a procession in Shevgaon village, leading to tense situations and injuries.

It seems probable that Chavhanke’s hate speeches have repeatedly somehow resulted in violence and tension in various regions and raises serious concerns about the impact of hate speech on the social fabric of the country. CJP has lodged multiple complaints against Suresh Chavhanke and Sudarshan News, for their seemingly hate-filled and Islamophobic content in speeches and broadcasts that target the Muslim community.

On February 6, 2023, CJP lodged complaints with the Director General of Police in Maharashtra and the Superintendent of Police in Ahmednagar against Suresh Chavhanke, a notorious hate offender, for delivering a hate-filled and Islamophobic speech. The speech took place at an event held in the Nagar district of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. During the event, Chavhanke made derogatory, inciteful, and misinformation-spreading statements, specifically targeting the Muslim community.

In connection with a separate incident, CJP filed a complaint with the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) against Sudarshan News, a television news channel. The complaint was related to a communally inflammatory promotional video for a show that alleged ‘UPSC Jihad’ and focused on the presence of minorities in public service. The trailer of this show was broadcast on the channel and shared across various social media profiles. The NBSA responded stating that since Chavhanke was not a member of the NBSA, they would be forwarding the complaint to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Earlier, in September 2022, CJP approached the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) to file another complaint against Suresh Chavhanke. This time, the complaint was regarding a derogatory, Islamophobic, and hate-filled speech that Chavhanke delivered during a rally on September 4 in Badarpur, Haryana. In this highly publicised and deliberate speech, he urged Muslim women to marry Hindu men instead of Muslim men.

Related:

Nuh Haryana: Who cast the first stone?

Suresh Chavhanke does not tire from spreading hatred and disinformation

Hate Surges in India, Reveal Disturbing Shifts in Patterns

Hate Crime & Hate Speech, SC’s scrutiny to continue

The post Suresh Chavhanke’s hate filled rhetoric leaves behind a trail of violence appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Mocking Islam at many points in his speech, the hate speaker even issued a warning to the Maharashtra government, stating that if the loudspeakers used at Mosques for Namaz are not banned, then the Hindus will get their own speakers to raise the religious chant of “Har Har Mahadev” five times a day. Chavhanke also spread conspiracy theories about the Madrassas in Maharashtra, making unsubstantiated claims. To instigate his crowd, he stated that the Mosques in Maharashtra have been built upon demolished temples.

The speech:

“Muslims read Namaz five times a day and say “Allah hu Akhbar”. This means that they are saying that Allah is the greatest. But I want to ask how did Allah become bigger than Mahadev? Mahadev is the greatest for us. If these people will say “Allah hu Akhbar” 5 times, then we all will also fix loudspeakers on our houses and say “Har Har Mahadev” five times a day.”

“I want to warn the Maharashtra government that if they do not ban the use of loudspeakers by these people, we will get our own loudspeakers everywhere.”

“There are 35,000 Madrassas in Pakistan, whereas 72,000 Madrassas are there in the state of Maharashtra itself. The army general of Pakistan has say that there is a rise in terrorism in Pakistan because of these Madrassas as well as a dip in the economy because of these Madrassas. Now imagine, if there are only 35,000 Madrassas in Pakistan and still he is saying this, why are there 72,000 Madrassas running in the state of Maharashtra?”

“They teach the Muslims in Madrassas that whoever is a non-Muslim, is a Kaafir, and deserves to be killed. The tax that you pay the government, that same money is used by them to fund these Madrassas. Your tax money is being used for these Madrassas, where they are teaching Muslims to kill Hindus.”

“We appeal to PM Modi that they should stop referring to Muslims as a minority in India, or a minority in any state. If they have the second largest population in India, how can they be a minority? We should put locks on the doors of the Minority Ministry.”

“In this village of Kopargaon, the vegetable business used to belong to the Hindus Community. Who does it belong to now?”

The crown answers “Muslims”

“These Muslims sell the vegetable after applying their own saliva on it. The purity of your vegetables have been snatched away.”

“All these mosques in Maharshtra have been built after demolishing temples.”

Chavhanke then narrates a poem in Marathi, which has inciting words in it. Through the poem, he states that “nothing that a Muslim does is ever held to be punishable, while Hindus are punished for everything. When Diwali comes, the Supreme Court asks us to not burst crackers, but on Bakri Eid, they let the Muslims slaughter goats.”

(The abovementioned speech has been translated from Marathi)

The video can be viewed here:

Location: Kopargaon, Maharashtra

Sakal Hindu Samaj organised Hindu Hunkaar Sabha, where notorious hate-monger Suresh Chavhanke delivered an extremely hateful speech against Muslims and Islam.

He targeted Muslim women, places of worship, and Muslim businesses and promoted the… pic.twitter.com/co3FhqG0Pm

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) July 21, 2023

Related:

Hate speech by Suresh Chavhanke at god man Dhirendra Shashtri event

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

FIR filed against Chavhanke at Sangamner for his communal speech, which had resulted in violence and vandalism

CJP complains against Suresh Chavhanke for Sangamner hate speech

Suresh Chavhanke’s speech in Sangamner results in stone pelting post rally?

Another hate speech by Suresh Chavhanke, second complaint by CJP: Srirampur, Maharashtra

Suresh Chavhanke’s hate mongering continues with immunity: Shrirampur, Ahmednagar

FIR against Suresh Chavhanke in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Defiant of the SC, Suresh Chavhanke, Raja Singh & Hindutva outfits escalate hate to dangerous levels

The post Maharashtra: Suresh Chavhanke stirs controversy of “Spit Jihad” again, targets Muslim businesses appeared first on SabrangIndia.

‘The resolution by Maharaj ji of bringing Mathura’s idols to Agra’s mosque. It was said in Geet, we have liberate two more temples – Mathura and Kashi. It was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s aim to liberate 300,000 temples!’

‘Will we or won’t?!’ Chavhanke asked as the crowd responded.

It’s worth noting that two years ago, Suresh Chavhanke claimed he faced legal action when an FIR was filed against him for his pledge to establish a Hindu Rashtra, or a Hindu nation. And he proclaimed this incident proudly at the conclave, saying he will not take back his words even if he were to be hanged. – “Two years ago, when I took a pledge of allegiance to make Hindu Rashtra, an FIR was filed against me! Is talking about Hindu Rashtra hate speech? Yes, talking about it is surely ‘Hot speech!’

Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

At Dhirendra Shastri’s event, far-right leader Suresh Chavhanke delivers a communal speech targeting Muslim places of worship and called for turning India into a Hindu nation. pic.twitter.com/hp0rqQWZCG

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) July 16, 2023

Suresh Chavhanke is the current Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Sudarshan News, and boasts of a longstanding association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He faced charges of promoting religious enmity through his program “Bindas Bol” In 2017.  The show focused on the town of Sambhal, linking it to terrorism and alleged the town had connections with al Qaeda.

In a separate incident, Chavhanke came under scrutiny in 2020 for releasing a trailer of an upcoming news show. The program targeted Muslim students who successfully cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams with coaching assistance from Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy. In a shocking manner, the anchor referred to this achievement as an “infiltration” into the civil services and controversially coined the term “UPSC jihad,” labelling the students as “Jamia ke Jihadi.” The trailer’s release drew immediate backlash, with Jamia Millia Islamia requesting the education ministry to take appropriate action against Sudarshan News and its editor-in-chief for tarnishing the university’s image and the Muslim community.

On hearing a plea filed against the programme  Advocate Firoz Iqbal Khan in 2020 which claimed that his programme contained ‘divisive’ material, Justice Chandrachud, in particular, voiced his disapproval, remarking that these allegations not only undermine national stability but also cast aspersions on the credibility of the UPSC exam.

Related:

Register & prosecute hate speech offences promptly, uphold the rule of law: SCI to all States

BJP govt in Karnataka drops 182 cases of hate crimes in 4 years: Report

Dalit families found to be living in fear of violence at the hands of dominant caste neighbours in Karnataka

Recent report provides 400 incidents of violence against Christians since January 2023, 155 reported in UP alone

The post Hate speech by Suresh Chavhanke at god man Dhirendra Shashtri event appeared first on SabrangIndia.

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.

Location: Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh

Far-right leader Suresh Chavhanke delivers a communal speech targeting Muslims, demonizes Rohingya refugees, and peddles conspiracy theories to stoke fear. pic.twitter.com/nbKdE0EL8Q

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) July 9, 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.

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Suresh Chavhanke organized an event where extremist monks delivered extremely hateful speeches against Muslims & their faith.

Some speakers gave calls for extreme violence.

“There is a need for kar seva against 250 mosques,” a monk said. pic.twitter.com/IoJRUPhBji

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) July 7, 2023

Related:

CJP complains against 3 shows of Times Now Navbharat

NBSA forwards CJP’s complaint against Sudarshan News to I&B Ministry

Three instances of Bajrang Dal members breaking the law with impunity reported on a single day

Understand what constitutes Hate Speech

The post Controversial figures, including Suresh Chavhanke, incite discord at MP event with alleged disinformation, divisive rhetoric appeared first on SabrangIndia.