EC Directs X to Remove BJP’s Karnataka Unit’s “Objectionable Post”
In a recent development on May 7, the Election Commission has issued a stern directive to the micro-blogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, demanding the immediate removal of an “objectionable post” circulated by the Karnataka unit of the BJP. This action comes in response to a filed First Information Report (FIR), indicating the seriousness of the matter. Despite the registration of the FIR, the contentious post remains accessible, prompting the Election Commission to intervene.
The controversy stems from a complaint lodged by the Congress against Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra for allegedly disseminating “derogatory” content that could potentially incite law and order disturbances.
The objectionable content purportedly suggests that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “Congress did not need Hindu votes; Muslim votes were adequate for them.” This inflammatory rhetoric has raised concerns about its potential to stoke communal tensions and disrupt the electoral process.
At the heart of the matter is a video circulated via BJP-Karnataka’s official social media channels, which reinforces the narrative that the Congress favors Muslims over SC/ST/OBC Hindus, thereby diverting resources and opportunities.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped in, issuing a directive to X to remove the animated video featuring caricatures of Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Despite the gravity of the situation, the post has continued to garner views, highlighting the urgency of the Eelection Commission’s intervention.
In response to the Eelection Commission’s notice, X has been instructed to take down the post immediately. However, as of the evening of May 7, the video remains accessible on the platform, raising questions about compliance and accountability.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee had earlier raised concerns about the video violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), prompting action from the State’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Kumar Meena, who directed X to remove the post.
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This instance is just one of three similar videos circulated by the BJP, each reinforcing the narrative of Congress’s alleged favoritism towards Muslims at the expense of SC/ST/OBC Hindus. Despite the controversy, the BJP’s national handle removed one such video posted on Instagram, while X reviewed the complaints lodged against it. However, the saga continues as the contentious post remains accessible, despite directives from the Election Commission.
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The EC’s intervention underscores the gravity of the situation, with legal action initiated against prominent BJP figures, including national president JP Nadda and IT cell head Amit Malviya, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Despite the post’s removal, concerns persist regarding the BJP’s narrative and its potential implications for communal harmony and electoral integrity. As the electoral landscape evolves, the role of social media platforms in shaping public discourse and influencing voter sentiment remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.
