The police in Karnataka have registered a case against BJP chief JP Nadda, the party's state unit chief BY Vijayendra, and its IT cell chief Amit Malviya for allegedly inciting communal hatred. The case was filed after the Congress lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, accusing the BJP of promoting enmity between communities.
The case stems from a video posted on the BJP's Karnataka social media page, which depicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allegedly favoring Muslims in fund allocation. The animated video, lasting 17 seconds, portrays caricatures of Gandhi and Siddaramaiah placing an egg labeled 'Muslim' in a bird's nest. Subsequently, when the egg hatches, Gandhi is shown feeding 'funds' to the 'Muslim' hatchling while others struggle for it. The video compares funds allocated to SC, ST, and OBC communities with those given to Muslims.
Ramesh Babu, a member of the Karnataka Congress's legal unit, filed a complaint urging action against the BJP leaders. The FIR includes allegations against Nadda, Vijayendra, and Malaviya in connection with the video.
Reacting to the FIR, Karnataka's Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy criticized the BJP's tactics, stating that they lacked common sense and were resorting to divisive strategies. He expressed confidence that such tactics would not resonate with the electorate.
In response, Amit Malviya questioned the FIR and defended the BJP's stance, suggesting that the Congress should be grateful for the BJP's efforts to bring their manifesto to the people's attention. He dismissed the allegations and urged Congress to face the electorate directly.
The BJP has been consistently targeting the Congress, drawing comparisons between the latter's manifesto and that of the Muslim League. Prime Minister Modi, at a recent rally in Telangana, emphasized his opposition to providing reservations based on religion, particularly for Muslims.
