BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, who is also the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, in his latest hate speech targeting the Muslim community has said that Adhaan will disappear from the mosques in the next five years.
Addressing the Palghar rally, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, “Now, no one dares to offer Namaz on the roads of Uttar Pradesh. The mosques have removed their mikes. In the next five years, people will forget about screams (Azaan) from mosques.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his anti-minority rants, targeted Opposition leaders on April 22, accusing them of reciting the Fatiha (a short sura from the Quran essential to ritual prayer) at the graves of criminals and gangsters.
He urged voters to allow these leaders five more years to continue this practice, claiming that the policies of the SP, Congress, and BSP have compromised public safety.
The campaigning for general elections 2024 has been highly divisive with members of the ruling party openly engaging in Anti-muslim rhetoric during public rallies. PM Modi, earlier this month, referred to Muslims as infiltrators and used a racist slur against the community.
In response to his persistent hate speeches, a human rights advocacy group based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against Yogi Adityanath for his inflammatory remarks against the Muslim community during an election rally in Maharashtra.
On Monday, the Law and Policy Research Institute (LPRI) submitted the complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the chief election officer of Maharashtra, concerning Yogi’s speech in Palghar on Saturday.
The group argues that Yogi’s statements not only undermine the nation’s secular principles but also endanger communal harmony.
In its complaint, the LPRI pointed out the violations of the model code of conduct, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
In a statement, the LPRI stated, “We have officially lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra regarding recent inflammatory and communal remarks made by Yogi Adityanath during a rally in Palghar, Maharashtra. His statements, targeting the Muslim community, are deeply offensive and violate several key provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA), and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).”
The complaint alleges that the speech violated several provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), including appealing to communal sentiments for votes, criticizing opponents beyond their policies and programs, and engaging in corrupt practices and election offences.
It also cites violations of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), such as promoting enmity or hatred between classes on religious grounds and inciting enmity in connection with elections.
Additionally, the speech is said to contravene sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds), Section 295A (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and Section 505(2) (creating or promoting enmity, hatred, or ill-will between classes).