New Delhi, May 7, 2024: The Election Commission (EC) has directed the microblogging site X to remove a cartoon shared in an animated video post by the Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The EC deemed the post “violative of the extant legal framework” and ordered its immediate removal.
Controversial Video Post
ಎಚ್ಚರ.. ಎಚ್ಚರ.. ಎಚ್ಚರ..! pic.twitter.com/Pr75QHf4lI
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 4, 2024
The video in question, posted by the Karnataka BJP, allegedly targets the Muslim community. It received backlash soon after being uploaded. The animation video features an accompanying post in Kannada that reads, “Beware, beware, beware!” The video depicts a character resembling Congress leader Rahul Gandhi placing a large egg labeled as ‘Muslims’ in a nest alongside three smaller eggs labeled as ‘SC,’ ‘ST,’ and ‘OBC.’ The character representing Rahul is shown snickering with another figure resembling Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. As the chicks hatch, the Rahul character feeds ‘funds’ to the ‘Muslim’ hatchling, which is depicted wearing a skull cap. The ‘Muslim’ hatchling grows larger and eventually pushes the other eggs out of the nest.
The Election Commission’s notice to the BJP for Violation of Model Code of Conduct
The Election Commission’s notice to the BJP comes in the context of alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). While the EC had previously issued notices directly to party leaders, this time it asked the party chiefs to respond. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP chief J. P. Nadda were both sent notices for MCC violations. Kharge was asked to address Rahul Gandhi’s “false allegations” that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted “one nation, one language, one religion.” Nadda’s notice related to the PM’s speech in Banswara, Rajasthan, where he referred to Muslims and suggested that the Congress, if voted to power, could distribute the nation’s wealth among “infiltrators” and “those who have more children.”.
EC’s Decision
Regarding the video posted by the Karnataka BJP, the EC is likely to take action under the MCC to remove the post. However, it is yet to be decided whether any action will be taken against the party itself. The controversy surrounding the video highlights the sensitive nature of communal politics during election campaigns. As the Lok Sabha elections continue, the Election Commission remains vigilant in enforcing the rules and maintaining a level playing field for all political parties.
Positive and negative sentiments related to the Election Commission’s request to take down the BJP Karnataka’s post:
Positive Sentiments:
- Prompt Action by Election Commission: The Election Commission (EC) acted swiftly by directing the microblogging site X (formerly known as Twitter) to remove the objectionable post shared by the Karnataka unit of the BJP. This proactive approach demonstrates the EC’s commitment to maintaining a fair electoral process
- Enforcement of Legal Framework: The EC’s decision to ask X to take down the post highlights its dedication to upholding the extant legal framework. By addressing violations promptly, the EC ensures that political discourse remains within acceptable boundaries during elections.
- Focus on Responsible Communication: The removal of the controversial video underscores the importance of responsible communication during election periods. The EC’s intervention serves as a reminder to political parties that electoral discourse should focus on issues, policies, and constructive debates rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
Negative Sentiments:
- Controversial Content: The video shared by the Karnataka BJP allegedly targets the Muslim community. Such content can fuel tensions and create divisions among different communities. The negative impact of such messaging on social harmony cannot be ignored.
- Violation of Model Code of Conduct: The EC’s notice indicates that the post violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Violations like these can erode public trust in the electoral process and undermine the level playing field for all political parties.
- Sensitive Nature of Communal Politics: The video’s caricatures of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with its depiction of the Muslim community, highlight the sensitive nature of communal politics. Such content can escalate tensions and distract from substantive issues.
Conclusion
The Election Commission’s intervention underscores the importance of responsible communication during election periods. As political parties vie for votes, it is crucial to adhere to ethical standards and avoid content that could incite division or animosity among different communities. The removal of the controversial video serves as a reminder that electoral discourse should focus on issues, policies, and constructive debates rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
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Nikhil Malhotra 
