Jharkhand BJP asked to remove malicious social media post on Congress complaint, explain poll code violation by group

The Election Commission (EC) has ordered the BJP’s Jharkhand unit to remove the video, which was termed “misleading and malicious” by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress in a complaint to the election body. The EC also sought an explanation from the BJP regarding alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the post.

A video posted on BJP’s social media shows a group allegedly representing Muslims forcefully entering the house of a JMM supporter.

The accompanying caption read: “Take a close look at how big a mistake a wrong vote can make. So this time, don’t make the same mistake as in 2019. Choose the right thing, choose the BJP.”

The Congress and JMM have condemned the video as “misleading and divisive”, saying it spreads baseless allegations and incites hatred and enmity to influence voters.

JMM’s official account on X posted a scathing rebuke: “Will the country hold such an election now? How far will you allow the country to fall in the name of Hindus and Muslims? BJP has crossed all limits of shamelessness and vulgarity. “

In response to the complaints, the EC directed the Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand to coordinate with the authorities under the IT Act to remove the video immediately.

The controversy comes amid a heated election campaign in which the BJP has focused on the issues of alleged “infiltration” and “illegal settlers” from Bangladesh. Union minister and BJP president JP Nadda recently claimed the existence of an “intelligence report” accusing the JMM-led coalition government of harboring Bangladeshi madrassa infiltrators.

The BJP’s pre-poll promises include implementation of Uniform Civil Code, Rs 2,100 monthly allowance for women, creation of five lakh jobs for youth and fight against alleged infiltration.

The first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections was held on November 13 and the second phase is scheduled for November 20. Counting of votes will take place on November 23.