The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed social media platform 'X' to take down a controversial post shared by the handle 'BJP4Karnataka'. This decision followed an FIR filed against prominent BJP figures, including party president J P Nadda, IT cell head Amit Malviya, and Karnataka unit chief B Y Vijayendra, over allegations of a social media post aimed at intimidating members of the SC and ST communities against voting for a particular candidate, as reported by the news agency PTI. The complaint, lodged by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), contended that the post violates the model code of conduct.
Content of the video draws criticism
The contentious video featured animated representations of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Depicting the SC, ST, and OBC communities as eggs in a nest, the video portrays Rahul Gandhi planting a large egg labelled as the Muslim community. It suggested that funds are being directed towards the Muslim community, thereby sidelining the SC, ST, and OBC communities.
Video shared by Karnataka BJP sparks outrage
The video, which sparked outrage, was shared by the Karnataka BJP on May 4, prompting swift action from the KPCC.
Complaint alleges attempt to influence votes
The complaint, authored by the Chairman of the Media and Communications Department of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee and a practicing advocate, accused the BJP of attempting to sway votes during the Lok Sabha Elections by portraying the Congress party as favouring the Muslim community. Additionally, it alleges that the video seeks to intimidate SC and ST community members against voting for the Congress party by falsely suggesting that funds allocated for them would be diverted to Muslims.
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