BJP leader Kirit Somaiya files complaint against AIMPLB’s Maulana Nomani over ‘divisive’ speech

BJP leader accuses the AIMPLB spokesperson of provoking religious fanaticism

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Maulana Khalil-ur Rahman Sajjad Nomani, spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), accusing him of making inflammatory statements and promoting “vote jihad” during the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In a video statement released on Saturday, Somaiya claimed that Nomani’s speeches, targeting the Muslim community, were aimed at inciting hatred and creating divisions. “We have lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Maulana Sajjad Nomani for his hate speeches and calls for social boycott of Muslims who support the BJP,” Somaiya said. “He has openly incited religious hatred and even suggested renaming Muslims who vote for the BJP with non-Muslim names like Ghanshyam Das.”

Somaiya further alleged that Nomani’s remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct, which is designed to ensure fair and peaceful elections. The BJP leader accused the AIMPLB spokesperson of provoking “religious fanaticism” and encouraging social boycotts against Muslims who align with the ruling party.

The controversy centers around a video that has gone viral on social media, where Maulana Nomani is seen addressing a gathering. In the video, Nomani allegedly calls for a social boycott of Muslims who supported the BJP in the previous Lok Sabha elections. “I know some of your people supported the BJP. Such people should be stopped from receiving any support; they should face a social boycott,” Nomani is heard saying in the video.

He went further to suggest that these individuals, who support the BJP, should publicly disassociate themselves from Islam, adding, “They should announce that they are no longer Muslim and their name should be Ghanshyam Das.”

The BJP has strongly condemned Nomani’s remarks, labeling them as divisive and harmful to social harmony. Kirit Somaiya emphasized that such statements could inflame religious tensions and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere during the election period.

#WATCH | Nagpur: On Maulana Khalilur Rehman Sajjad Nomani, Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, “In the video that has come out, he is calling to find and boycott those who supported BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. He further calls for vote jihad and says that our leaders… pic.twitter.com/kygHb7vI6n

— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2024

“These statements are clearly aimed at creating social division and religious hatred. The Election Commission must act immediately to ensure that such inflammatory speeches do not affect the conduct of free and fair elections,” Somaiya urged.

The Election Commission has not yet commented on the complaint.

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