Karnataka Congress has taken a decisive step by lodging a formal complaint with the Election Commission against prominent BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, Amit Malviya, and BY Vijayendra. The complaint alleges that the BJP leaders posted a video on social media platforms with the purported aim of intimidating SC/ST voters to deter them from supporting the Congress party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.Allegations of Violating MCCThe complaint contends that the BJP leaders violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by disseminating an animated video featuring Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah. The video allegedly portrays the Congress as biased towards a particular religious community (Muslims) while suppressing the interests of SC/ST and OBC communities. Such actions, as per the complaint, are deemed to incite feelings of enmity and hatred among voters.ಎಚ್ಚರ.. ಎಚ್ಚರ.. ಎಚ್ಚರ..! pic.twitter.com/Pr75QHf4lI— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 4, 2024Nature of AllegationsRamesh Babu, Chairman of Media and Communication at Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), highlighted the contentious nature of the video in the complaint. He expressed concern over the portrayal of SC/ST community members in a derogatory light, depicting them as inferior to another religious group. The complaint underscores the grave implications of such actions, especially during the electoral process.Legal RamificationsThe complaint outlines potential legal repercussions, citing relevant sections of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989. It contends that the video, by insinuating that reserved funds for SC/ST communities would be diverted to Muslims, aims to dissuade SC/ST voters from supporting the Congress party. Such tactics, as per the complaint, constitute an offence punishable under the law.Video Content and ContextThe complaint provides insights into the controversial video posted by BJP Karnataka on social media platforms. The video allegedly depicts caricatures of Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah, alongside symbols representing different communities. It suggests bias towards the Muslim community while neglecting the interests of SC/ST and OBC groups, thereby influencing voter sentiments.As the Election Commission investigates the matter, the complaint underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in political discourse. It calls for accountability and transparency in electoral campaigning, emphasizing the need to safeguard the rights and interests of all communities, especially marginalized groups.
