HRF complaint to The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) regarding the hate speech of the Prime Minister during an election rally in Rajasthan

To
Shri Rajiv Kumar
Chief Election Commissioner,
Election Commission of India.

Sir,

Sub: Hate speech by Mr Narendra Modi – seeking timely intervention

We, as members of the Human Rights Forum (HRF), a citizens’ forum, are deeply disturbed by the hate speech delivered by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, during an election campaign in Banswara, Rajasthan on April 21, 2024. The said hate speech is in wide circulation on various social media platforms..

HRF firmly believes that the Prime Minister’s speech constitutes a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct (further explained in the compendium of instructions of the Model Code of Conduct, 2024) and Sections 123(3) and (3A), 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 along with Sections 153A, 153B, 295 (A), 505 (1) and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

The said hate speech coming from the highest office of the country only goes to show the barefaced incitement of divisiveness, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred/ill- will between members of Hindu and Muslim community. If timely action is not taken, it will embolden him to continue making such inflammatory and hateful speeches, and it may also encourage others in his party and beyond to follow his example, spreading enmity and hatred towards any minority community.

Below are links where the hate speech is being made:

It has been widely reported in the media, too.

Link 2:
https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/congress-will-distribute-peoples-property-gold-among-muslims-pm-modi/article68091139.ece

We implore you to investigate the speech and register a case against Mr Narendra Modi for committing a serious criminal offence under the above-mentioned sections and hold him responsible for making such statements from the highest office of a country that has boasted of its democratic values and ethos. India is a country that was born out of struggle, sweat and blood of the many people belonging to all castes, sections, sex, religion, minority and other likes. It is nothing but an absolute shame that we are given to witness something as dastardly and divisive as this.

Action needs to be taken and taken now.

Regards,
Y Rajesh (HRF Andhra Pradesh State general secretary)
U G Srinivasulu (HRF Andhra Pradesh State president)
G Rohith (HRF Andhra Pradesh State secretary)

Vijayawada,
22.04.2024