‘Campaign Against Hate Speech’ files complaint against Tejasvi Surya in Hanuman Chalisa row
A delegation from the "Campaign Against Hate Speech" met with election officials and police authorities in Karnataka on Wednesday to address concerns regarding alleged hate speech by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. The delegation filed complaint against Tejasvi Surya, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The delegation first met with Mr. Tushar Girinath, District Election Officer, to lodge a complaint against Tejasvi Surya for purported violations of various legal provisions, including Section 123(a) of the Representation of People Act, the Model Code of Conduct, and sections 153(a), 295(a), and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
Additionally, they approached the local police official to file complaints against Shobha Karandlaje, Tejasvi Surya, PC Mohan, and others for allegedly engaging in hate speech and conducting protests in unauthorized locations. The complaints cite violations of sections 153(a), 295(a), and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
Furthermore, a complaint was submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka and the Election Commission of India, outlining the grievances and requesting action.
The complaints stem from statements made by Tejasvi Surya on March 18, 2024, via a social media platform, wherein he allegedly targeted the Muslim community and attempted to incite hatred between Hindu and Muslim communities. Surya's remarks, which garnered significant online traction, accused the Congress party of fostering anti-Hindu sentiments and called for action against individuals involved in an alleged assault on a Hindu shopkeeper.
The Campaign Against Hate Speech asserted that Surya's statements, viewed by millions, have the potential to impact communal harmony and influence voters during the elections. They assert that Surya's remarks amount to hate speech and a call to violence against the Muslim community.
“It is pertinent to note the wide reach of Mr. Surya’s statements, having 1 million views, 587 comments, 5.4k retweets and 13 likes. He himself commands a following of 1.3 million persons. Thus, his statements have wide reaching consequences on voters, communal harmony, and the elections. Subsequently, he has attempted to stoke communal hatred by calling for Hanuman Chalisa to be everywhere and for this to start from the victim shopkeeper’s shop,” the complaint draft added.
The delegation contended that Surya's actions violate various legal provisions, including the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits activities that exacerbate existing differences or create mutual hatred between different religious or linguistic groups. They argued that Surya's statements are also in violation of sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 123(3A) of the Representation of People's Act, 1951.
The delegation urged authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against Surya and the BJP, emphasizing that hate speech has no place in society, particularly during election campaigns. They also provided video evidence of Surya's statements and called for immediate prosecution.
“His statements amount to clear violation of the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct Rule I “General Conduct” under Clause (1), no party or candidate “..shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.”. This prohibits in clear terms the aggravation of existing differences, the creation of mutual hatred, or the causing of tension between different castes, communities, religions, or languages. Mr. Tejasvi Surya’s statements are a direct and clear violation of the model code of conduct as well and hence, appropriate action may be initiated against the BJP and the candidate,” the complaint stated.
“Statements such as those made by Mr. Tejasvi Surya, if left unpunished, undermine the secular fabric of our Constitution and severely strain the quality of equality enshrined in Article 14. These statements, which effectively deny equal citizenship to religious communities, are in gross violation of the anti-discrimination principle underpinning our Constitution. Every person has the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution, which includes in its fold the right to live free from fear. In order to protect these core values of our Constitution, and to ensure that religious communities are not subjected to hate speech and denial of citizenship, we urge you to take urgent action in this regard,” it added.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati, Advocate Shilpa Prasad who was a part of the Campaign Against Hate Speech’s delegation said the Nodal Officer at the Chief Electoral Officer received the complaint and has assured them of following the process and initiating action if the complaint and the allegations were to found to be true. Shilpa also added that the complaint was also submitted to the District Election Officer Tushar Girinath and the local police authorities.
Shilpa was accompanied by three other members from the Campaign Against Hate Speech – Vinay, Aishwarya, Tanveer in the delegation that met the official to submit the complaint.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Union Min. HDK announces Rs15,000 cr revival plan for Bhadravati Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Factory
Mandya (Karnataka) Dec 22: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, announced on Sunday plans to revive the Sir M Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Factory in Bhadravati with an estimated investment of Rs 15,000 crore.
Speaking at the 87th All India Kannada Literary Conference in Mandya, the Minister stated that this decision aligns with the Modi government's efforts to address unemployment and focus on industrial growth in Karnataka.
The Minister highlighted the historical significance of the Bhadravati factory, established under Mysuru Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya. Once a source of employment for thousands and a livelihood for lakhs, Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that the glorious days of the steel factory would soon return. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entrusted me with the critical responsibilities of the Heavy Industries and Steel portfolios. I am working diligently to ensure these responsibilities benefit Karnataka," said Kumaraswamy.
Responding to MLA Dinesh Gooligowda's request to establish an IIT near KRS in Mandya, the Minister assured that the proposal would be examined thoroughly. "I will discuss this matter with the relevant Union Ministers. Karnataka already has one IIT, and I strongly believe we need another. Let us all work together to bring another IIT to our state, and I seek everyone's support for this," he added.
The Minister emphasised his deep connection with Mandya, calling it a land of Kannadigas, and expressed his happiness in participating in the conference. "I am here not just as a Union Minister but as a proud Kannadiga," he said.
Kumaraswamy addressed the concerns raised by the conference's president, Go Ru Channabasappa, about promoting Kannada and implementing bilingual education policies over trilingual ones. He acknowledged the challenges faced by rural parents in balancing the preservation of Kannada with their children's future aspirations in a competitive global environment. "This is a complex issue, and we must collectively find solutions to address the anxieties of parents," he said.
The Minister also expressed his concern over the declining interest in Kannada-medium education due to societal pressures and the competitive mindset of rural parents. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, he said, "When I served as Chief Minister, I initiated the establishment of 1,000 public schools to equip rural children to compete with their urban counterparts while emphasising Kannada in education."
Sharing his passion for literature, Kumaraswamy said, "I was deeply moved after reading the epic novel 'Durgastamana' by Ta Ra Subba Rao. "It's a masterpiece that vividly narrates the end of Madakari Nayaka, evoking emotions that can move even the most unyielding souls."
He also expressed admiration for the works of Vyasaray Ballal, including novels like 'Channabhairadevi' by Gajanana Sharma, 'Swapna Saraswata' by Gopalakrishna Pai, and 'Swatantryada Ota' by Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi, which have inspired him deeply.
Reflecting on the evolution of Kannada cinema, Kumaraswamy said, "As someone from the Kannada film industry, I have noticed a stark difference between the stories of the past and the present. It saddens me to see some films failing to address societal concerns. We need more films with good values, meaningful stories, and a positive impact on society."
He reminisced about legendary songs like Dr Rajkumar's 'Haalina Holeyo... Jenina Maleyo', which has left a lasting impression on him. He called for films that preserve the essence of relationships, foster peace, and revive the cultural harmony of rural Karnataka. "We need to bring back the days when communities dined together and celebrated unity," he said.
Wishing a long life to conference president Go Ru Channabasappa, Kumaraswamy said, "May he live beyond 100 years, as foretold by astrologers. He is like a father figure to me, and his life continues to inspire us all. Let us hope his wisdom and guidance remain with us for many more years."
The Minister concluded his address with a heartfelt appeal to preserve the Kannada language, culture, and unity, reiterating his commitment to Karnataka's development and welfare.
