INDIA bloc leaders demand strict action from ECI against Assam CM for "inflammatory and divisive speeches" in Jharkhand

In the letter, the INDIA bloc leaders said that Sarma targeted Muslim minorities in his speech delivered on November 1 in Sarath, Jharkhand.

"Please find attached the video of the speech given by Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader and Chief Minister Assam in the electoral rally and program at Sarath Jharkhand on November 1, 2024. His use of extremely divisive and hateful words in the speech targeting the Muslim minorities by saying words like "Woh log ek hi jageh par vote daalte hain lekin humaara Hindu aadha vote idhar daalega aadha udhar" and "ye sarkar ghuspaithiya ko bulaata hai Kyuki vishesh samudaay unko vote deta hai" are clear examples of the venomous language being used by him to create a civil warlike situation and incite violence in the ensuing assembly elections," the letter said.

The INDIA bloc leaders said that the speech given by Sarma is an example of the divisive politics being promoted by him and his party, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).

"This hate speech given by Mr Sarma is an example of the divisive politics being promoted by him and his party, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). In the said speech, he has also used words like "agle dus Saal me Jharkhand mein rajneeti nahi kar sakenge - vishesh samudaay pe aashrit reh jayenge" and "Hindu ko aur adivsasi samaaj ko nirnaya lena hai ki ghuspaithiyo ko laat marker bhagaana hai" clearly establish that by stoking the flames of hatred and resentment, Sarma seeks to polarize the electorate and consolidate power for his agenda," the letter said.

"He has knowingly colouring all the people of a particular religious minority in one shade and portrayed all of them to be infiltrators to exploit existing social divisions and exacerbate them for political gain create communal tension and break the social fabric of the state of Jharkhand for electoral gains," it added.

The opposition leaders in the letter alleged that through his words, the Assam CM is trying to ignite social unrest and jeopardize the election process.

"His use of venomous words like "Jharkhand alag Rajya Isliye nahi banaya tha ki ghuspaithiyo ke haath mein chala jaaye" in the election speech makes it obvious that through his inflammatory speeches, laden with prejudice and discrimination and replete with divisive language, Sarma is trying to ignite social unrest and jeopardize the election process," the letter said.

The leaders also attached a video of the interview of the BJP leader using "divisive and hateful words", and said that the words used in the interview are creating a climate of fear and distrust amongst the minorities and fostering a climate of intolerance and violence in the state of Jharkhand.

"Please also find attached the video of the interview given by Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader and Chief Minister Assam to various media channels on November 1, which has been widely covered in electronic and print media in Jharkhand. His use of extremely divisive and hateful words like "ye sarkar hi Alamgir Alam aur Irfan Ansari jaise logon ka hai" and "JMM sirf ghuspaithiyo ki sarkar hai" in the said interview dated November 1 are targeting a particular set of people creating religious rift and creating a climate of fear and distrust amongst the minorities and fostering a climate of intolerance and violence in the State of Jharkhand," the letter said.

"This dangerous tactic not only undermines the democratic process but also is against the fundamental structure of Our Constitution and also various judicial pronouncements and judgements passed by the Supreme Court against hate speeches," it added.

The Opposition leader alleged that the BJP and CM Sarma want to focus on divisive issues to divert attention from the real problems facing the state.

"Our party is apprehensive that extremist ideologies and hate crimes can happen as a direct result of the toxic environment created by such rhetoric of Himanta Biswa Sarma. Clearly, the BJP and Sarma want to focus on divisive issues to divert attention from the real problems facing our state, especially in light of the total failure of the Central Government led by the BJP in controlling inflation and rising unemployment rates in the country," the letter said.

Condemning Sarma's speech, the INDIA bloc leaders urged the Election Commission to take strong action against him.

"Jharkhand Mukti Morcha condemns such rhetoric unequivocally and we feel that it is essential to hold those who engage in hate speech be held accountable for their actions. The Election Commission must take very strong action against his hateful and divisive words and legal frameworks should be strengthened to address hate speech and incitement to violence," the letter said.

"We demand that immediate strictest action be taken against him by the Election Commission without any delay to show that the Commission does not stand by such actions of any person which can result in disturbing the process of free and fair elections. If no action is taken by the Commission in the next 24 hours, we will be constrained to move to appropriate legal forums for legal remedy in which the Commission will then have to explain its failure to constrain this highly deplorable action of Himanta Biswa Sarma," it added.

Meanwhile, CM Sarma dismissed the allegations made by the INDIA bloc leaders and said that talking about Hindus doesn't mean targeting Muslims.

"Why complain against me? What am I saying? Why they are hurt when I am speaking against the infiltrators? Where it is written, in which law, that it is wrong to speak against infiltrators?... Talking about Hindus doesn't mean targeting Muslims. I don't even utter the word - Muslim. India is a Hindu civilization and to talk about protecting them is a positive thing," he said.

Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. (ANI)