Right-wing supporter, Journalist Swathi Chandrashekar joins Congress, appointed spokesperson
Bengaluru: In a recent development, journalist Swathi Chandrashekar, alongside two-time MP Sanganna Karadi and three-time MLA from Belagavi Rural Shivaputra Malagi, officially joined the Congress party on Wednesday. The event took place in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Swathi Chandrashekar, whose Facebook profile identifies her as the Delhi Bureau Head of TV5 News, was also appointed as the spokesperson of the party shortly after her induction.
However, a closer examination of her background and social media activity revealed her previous affiliation as an active supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating her alignment with right-wing ideologies.
Chandrashekar's social media posts have showcased her support for senior BJP leader LK Advani, Prime Minister Modi, and her close association with BJP MP and party’s Yuva Morcha Chief Tejasvi Surya, known for his staunch Hindutva stance.
The appointment of Swathi Chandrashekar as the spokesperson of the Congress party, despite her prior allegiance to the BJP, has sparked debate across local social media platforms. Many users have criticized the party for the decision, questioning the rationale behind appointing someone with a history of supporting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP leaders.
The move has led to discussions regarding the party's strategy and its approach towards accommodating individuals with differing political backgrounds.
The appointment has raised eyebrows, particularly given Chandrashekar's vocal support for the BJP and its ideologies in the past. Critics argued that such appointments may dilute the party's ideological stance and raise questions about its commitment to its core principles.
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Campaign Against Hate Speech calls for action against Chandrashekar Swamiji for hate speech
Bengaluru: Campaign Against Hate Speech, a collective of lawyers, activists, and concerned citizens, has urged Karnataka’s Home Minister, Shri Parameshwara G, and Director General of Police, Dr. Alok Mohan, to take legal action against Chandrashekar Swamiji, the seer of Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt. The demand follows an alleged hate speech made by the seer during a protest organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Union at Freedom Park on November 26, 2024.
The organization claimed that the speech was divisive and aimed at spreading communal hatred and enmity between communities. Chandrashekar Swamiji allegedly made inflammatory remarks, including false claims about the authority of the Waqf Board and a controversial suggestion that Muslims in India should be stripped of their voting rights. The speech, delivered to a large audience, has since been uploaded to YouTube by TV9 Kannada, amassing over 6,900 views.
The organization provided excerpts of the speech, which they say falsely accused the Waqf Board of arbitrarily taking over properties, including farmland, and asserted that minorities in Pakistan do not have voting rights. These remarks, they argued, not only mislead the public but also incite hostility against the Muslim community and misrepresent the functioning of the Waqf Board. The statement suggesting that Muslims should be denied voting rights was described as unconstitutional and harmful to the secular and democratic values of the country.
In their letter, the collective highlighted specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly the IPC) that they believe the speech violates. These include provisions against promoting enmity between communities, making assertions prejudicial to national integration, and spreading false or alarming information intended to incite hatred. They also pointed out that comments on the video supported the seer’s views, reflecting the potential for real-world consequences stemming from the speech.
While Chandrashekar Swamiji has since issued a written apology, Campaign Against Hate Speech argued that it is insufficient. The apology has not been widely circulated, while the original speech continues to be shared online, further amplifying its divisive message.
The organization has requested legal action against the seer and restrictions on the offensive video. They have also called for a broader public awareness campaign to educate people about the legal and social consequences of hate speech. Additionally, they suggested that the upcoming winter session of the Karnataka Assembly address the growing issue of hate speech comprehensively.
The letter underscored the importance of preserving Karnataka’s identity as a “garden of peace for all communities,” as envisioned by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu. Citing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of democracy as a mode of “associated living,” they stressed that such remarks not only threaten a specific community but also undermine the foundational values of the nation.
