TNCC Petitions Madras High Court Over Modi's Alleged Hate Speeches

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) has taken a significant step by moving a petition before the Madras High Court, urging it to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) to address alleged hate speeches made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ongoing election season. The petition, filed by TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai, asserts that Modi's inflammatory remarks have the potential to stoke communal tensions and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

The plea underscores concerns regarding the ECI's response to multiple complaints against Modi's hate speeches, noting that the Commission has only issued a show cause notice to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) instead of directly addressing the Prime Minister. Selvaperunthagai contends that Modi is the "individual culprit" responsible for these divisive speeches, emphasizing the urgency for the ECI to hold him accountable.

The petition alleges that Modi's remarks, particularly targeting the Muslim community, are derogatory and divisive, reflecting a pattern of communal polarization to garner electoral support. By labeling Muslims as "infiltrators" and making disparaging comments about their birth rates, Modi has been accused of engaging in a divisive campaign strategy aimed at consolidating Hindu votes.

Moreover, the petition highlights Modi's alleged misinformation about the Congress party's manifesto and protests against his insinuations that an opposition victory would result in Hindu wealth transferring to Muslims. Selvaperunthagai asserts that such rhetoric not only undermines communal harmony but also erodes trust in the electoral process.

The TNCC president's efforts to address these concerns through representations to the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Chennai have yielded no response, prompting the petition before the High Court. Selvaperunthagai calls for decisive action against Modi's inflammatory rhetoric, stressing the need for the ECI to demand an explanation from the Prime Minister.

The petition paints a grave picture of the consequences of Modi's alleged hate speeches, warning of the potential for heightened communal tensions and social discord. By seeking judicial intervention, the TNCC seeks to uphold the principles of secularism and democracy enshrined in India's constitutional framework, underscoring the importance of accountability and responsible political discourse in safeguarding the nation's unity and integrity.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer, MIT ADT University