PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the BJP for a controversial advertisement released during the ongoing assembly elections in Jharkhand, calling it “deplorably communal” and harmful to India’s secular foundations.
The advertisement, which was posted on the BJP Jharkhand unit’s official X handle, was later removed following intervention from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Mehbooba accused the BJP of undermining the pluralistic ideals envisioned by leaders who joined India on the basis of its secular values.
“This advertisement being deplorably communal contradicts the foundational ideals and secular fabric of the nation. Pure poison,” she said in a post on X.
National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi also compared the ad to Nazi propaganda, highlighting its dehumanizing tone against Muslims.
He questioned the Election Commission’s role, asking whether it had ignored the campaign or acted as a “silent facilitator” of such rhetoric.
The Election Commission took action after complaints from the Congress and JMM, seeking an explanation from the BJP’s state unit for the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The first phase of polling was held on November 13, with the second phase scheduled for November 20.
In Jharkhand, the BJP has come under scrutiny for sharing a controversial video on its social media platforms, which was deemed “misleading and divisive” by the opposition, including the JMM and Congress.
The Election Commission (EC) has instructed the BJP to remove the post and provide an explanation for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
This incident has intensified the ongoing political tensions as the state prepares for its second phase of assembly elections on November 20.
The BJP has been campaigning on issues like infiltration and governance, while opposition parties accuse it of communal polarization.