Bengaluru, April 1 (IANS) A BJP delegation on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka against Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar, accusing him of making derogatory remarks and appealing to voters on religious grounds during an election campaign.

In its complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP alleged that the Chikkballapur legislator made objectionable and offensive statements at a public rally held on March 27 in the presence of a large gathering.

According to the BJP, Eshwar used abusive language against party leaders, referring to them as “Kothigalu” (monkeys), “Ayogyaru” (incompetent), and “Muttalaru” (idiots). The complaint further alleged that he personally targeted expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and former BJP MP Pratap Simha with derogatory remarks.

The BJP also accused Eshwar of making a direct appeal to voters on religious grounds, particularly addressing members of the Muslim community. It said his remarks invoked religious identity and practices in a manner intended to influence electoral choices and polarise voters.

The complaint stated that Eshwar made a series of statements during the campaign that constituted a direct and impermissible appeal to voters on the basis of religion and community. It alleged that these remarks were specifically directed at members of the Muslim community and were aimed at influencing their electoral choices.

Specifically, the BJP alleged that Eshwar claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had questioned the patriotism of Muslims and asked them to go to “another country”; mocked the practice of Hajj; disparaged the observance of Fajr (morning prayer); campaigned against purchasing goods from establishments owned by members of the Muslim community; and criticised practices such as Halal and the wearing of hijab by Muslim women.

The BJP alleged that the tenor, content and context of the statements indicated an attempt to polarise the electorate along communal lines and influence the outcome of the election by appealing to religious sentiments.

Citing provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, including Sections 123(3), 123(3A), and 125, the BJP alleged that the statements amounted to corrupt electoral practices and promoted enmity between communities. It also referred to alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The party contended that the remarks could incite disharmony, create fear and alarm among communities, and adversely affect public tranquillity. It further alleged that such statements were aimed at influencing voters through religious sentiments rather than legitimate political discourse.

“These statements have an adverse impact on the opinion of voters against candidates belonging to the BJP and this squarely falls within the scope of Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” the BJP said.

The party urged the Election Commission to take immediate and stringent action against Eshwar for the alleged violations, stating that such conduct undermines the integrity of the electoral process and violates legal and ethical norms.

–IANS

mka/pgh

Bengaluru, April 1 (IANS) A BJP delegation on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka against Congress MLA Pradeep Eshwar, accusing him of making derogatory remarks and appealing to voters on religious grounds during an election campaign.

In its complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP alleged that the Chikkballapur legislator made objectionable and offensive statements at a public rally held on March 27 in the presence of a large gathering.

According to the BJP, Eshwar used abusive language against party leaders, referring to them as “Kothigalu” (monkeys), “Ayogyaru” (incompetent), and “Muttalaru” (idiots). The complaint further alleged that he personally targeted expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and former BJP MP Pratap Simha with derogatory remarks.

The BJP also accused Eshwar of making a direct appeal to voters on religious grounds, particularly addressing members of the Muslim community. It said his remarks invoked religious identity and practices in a manner intended to influence electoral choices and polarise voters.

The complaint stated that Eshwar made a series of statements during the campaign that constituted a direct and impermissible appeal to voters on the basis of religion and community. It alleged that these remarks were specifically directed at members of the Muslim community and were aimed at influencing their electoral choices.

Specifically, the BJP alleged that Eshwar claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had questioned the patriotism of Muslims and asked them to go to “another country”; mocked the practice of Hajj; disparaged the observance of Fajr (morning prayer); campaigned against purchasing goods from establishments owned by members of the Muslim community; and criticised practices such as Halal and the wearing of hijab by Muslim women.

The BJP alleged that the tenor, content and context of the statements indicated an attempt to polarise the electorate along communal lines and influence the outcome of the election by appealing to religious sentiments.

Citing provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, including Sections 123(3), 123(3A), and 125, the BJP alleged that the statements amounted to corrupt electoral practices and promoted enmity between communities. It also referred to alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The party contended that the remarks could incite disharmony, create fear and alarm among communities, and adversely affect public tranquillity. It further alleged that such statements were aimed at influencing voters through religious sentiments rather than legitimate political discourse.

“These statements have an adverse impact on the opinion of voters against candidates belonging to the BJP and this squarely falls within the scope of Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” the BJP said.

The party urged the Election Commission to take immediate and stringent action against Eshwar for the alleged violations, stating that such conduct undermines the integrity of the electoral process and violates legal and ethical norms.

–IANS

mka/pgh