Election Commission seeks action report on Sajjad Nomani’s alleged remarks

The Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra on Saturday directed District Collector Parbhani and Deputy District Electoral Officer to submit an action report within 24 hours on the alleged controversial remarks made by Maulana Khalil-Ur Rahman Sajjad Nomani.

In a letter dated November 16, the officers were directed to follow Election Commission of India (ECI) procedures.

“On the basis of the received complaint, it is necessary to take necessary measures in accordance with the rules and submit a report within 24 hours,” the letter says.

District Collector Parbhani Raghunath Gawade confirmed receipt of the letter and said, “Following the instructions of the Election Commission, we have referred the case to the district Model Code of Conduct cell. The Cyber ​​Commission is also involved in investigating the matter and their findings will be reported to the commission.”

The suit follows a complaint filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiah against Nomani, spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Somaya alleged that Nomani had made hate speeches and promoted “jihad” among Muslim communities. According to Somaya, Nomani had inflamed society by calling for a social boycott of Muslims who support the BJP. He also alleged that Nomani encouraged such persons to adopt non-Muslim names and made inflammatory calls during public speeches.

The controversy centers around a video circulating on social media in which Nomani allegedly made controversial remarks at a public event. BJP leaders strongly condemned the comments, while Somaiah called them inflammatory and urged the ECI to take strict action to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier criticized Nomani during a public address in Nagpur on Saturday. Fadnavis accused him of calling for a boycott of BJP supporters among Muslims and promoting “voting jihad”.

Fadnavis also attacked the Congress and its allies, alleging that they were using divisive tactics to gain votes ahead of the elections. “This kind of polarization has never been seen before,” Fadnavis said. He also accused the opposition of trying to divide society out of fear of losing the election, adding that such actions undermine the democratic process.

The case has sparked an intense political debate in the state as election campaigns heat up and both sides trade criticisms about polarizing communities and election ethics.