EC asks Karnataka BJP to take down objectionable post targeting Congress

The Election Commission has taken stringent action against microblogging website X, directing it to remove an objectionable post by the Karnataka BJP that had previously not been taken down despite earlier orders from the state chief electoral officer. An FIR had already been lodged in connection with this matter.

In response to a complaint filed by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, the Election Commission acted against Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra for posting “derogatory” content that was deemed potentially inflammatory and capable of instigating law and order issues.

The contentious video in question purportedly targeted the Congress party, alleging favouritism towards Muslims over backward classes in matters of reservation and fund allocation.

The Congress had raised concerns over the video, accusing the Karnataka BJP of attempting to incite communal tensions and promote discord.

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Subsequently, the Bengaluru police registered a case against BJP national president JP Nadda, information technology cell head Amit Malviya, and state president BY Vijayendra.

This development unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, where voting for the second and final phase of 14 seats took place today.

Karnataka, a state that sends 28 MPs to parliament, witnessed a significant electoral contest with the BJP dominating in the 2019 elections, winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), who were then in a coalition government, managed to secure only one seat each.

As the electoral process unfolds, incidents such as these underscore the heightened sensitivity and scrutiny surrounding campaign rhetoric and online content during election periods, with regulatory bodies like the Election Commission actively enforcing rules and regulations to maintain electoral integrity and peace.