‘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.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
