INDIA bloc calls for action against Assam CM Himanta Sarma over alleged hate speech in Jharkhand
In a formal complaint to the Election Commission of India, leaders of the INDIA bloc, including members from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Congress, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), have condemned recent election speeches by BJP's Jharkhand in-charge and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma as “highly divisive” and “hateful.” The coalition leaders have demanded "immediate and strict action" against Sarma for allegedly making inflammatory statements targeting the Muslim community during a public event in Sarath on November 1.
The letter submitted to the electoral authorities cites Sarma's remarks in which he reportedly implied that Muslim voters are united in their political allegiance, while other communities are divided in their support. The INDIA bloc leaders claim his speech used “inflammatory language,” including terms like “infiltrators,” which they argue is intended to incite communal divisions and stir resentment.
The letter also emphasized that Sarma's comments paint an entire minority community as “infiltrators” to deepen existing social divides, a tactic the INDIA bloc claims threatens Jharkhand's communal harmony and undermines the principle of free and fair elections. They have urged the Commission to act decisively to affirm its commitment to unbiased electoral processes, untainted by communal provocations.
In addition to detailing excerpts from Sarma's speech, the letter referenced a recent interview in which he allegedly singled out Congress minority leaders, further escalating communal tensions. During a press conference on Saturday, INDIA bloc representatives warned that they would approach the court if the Election Commission failed to respond within 24 hours.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
