Nadda, Amit Malviya summoned over BJP's 'communally-charged' animation
The Bengaluru Police has summoned JP Nadda, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Amit Malviya, the party's IT Cell chief, over an "objectionable post" made by the Karnataka unit of the BJP. The Highgrounds Police Investigating Officer has given these leaders one week to appear for investigation. The police action followed a complaint filed by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) with the Election Commission of India on Sunday, alleging a violation of the model code of conduct.
Why does this story matter?
The complaint is linked to an X post that allegedly intimidates members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Class. The animation by Karnataka BJP depicts caricatures of Rahul Gandhi and CM Siddaramaiah placing a larger egg labeled "Muslims" into a bird's nest with three smaller eggs labeled "SC," "ST," and "OBCs." As the larger egg hatches, it reveals a chick wearing a skullcap. The video then proceeds to show Gandhi pouring "funds" into the bigger chick's mouth.
ECI asked X to immediately remove the 'objectionable post'
On Tuesday, the ECI asked micro-blogging platform X to immediately remove the "objectionable post," stating it violates the existing legal framework. "An FIR has already been registered in the matter. It is further brought to your notice that Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka through Cyber Crime Division, Bengaluru has already directed X on 05.05.2024 to take down the objectionable post. However, the post has not been taken down yet," the letter read.
KPCC alleges video provokes rioting, promotes enmity
In the complaint, Ramesh Babu, chairperson of KPCC media and communication, claimed that the video was spread to solicit votes by portraying the Congress party as "anti-SC/ST and OBC communities." "Since elections to Lok Sabha is being held on 07/05/2024 in 14 constituencies, the video post of BJP on their official social media handle is nothing but intimidating SC/ST community not to cast vote to Congress," Babu alleged.
BJP leaders booked under Representation of People Act
The BJP leaders were booked under sections of the Representation of People Act and section 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on Monday. The video was posted on the Karnataka BJP's social media handle just days before the 14th Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka on May 7. The polling on May 7 was the last phase of the Karnataka Lok Sabha elections, as polling in the state's south, including Bengaluru, had already concluded on April 26.
