BJP has Maximum Number of Sitting MPs And MLAs With Cases Related to Hate Speech, Says ADR Report
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According to a recent report published by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a Delhi based think-tank, a total of 58 sitting MPs and MLAs have declared cases related to hate speech, with BJP having the maximum number of such politicians.
15 sitting Lok Sabha MPs have declared cases related to Hate Speech against themselves out of which, 10 are from the BJP and 1 each from the AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), PMK (Paattali Makkall Katchi), AIMIM and Shiv Sena, as per the report.
Among the 43 sitting MLAs booked for hate speeches, 17 are from the BJP, 5 each from the TRS and AIMIM, including Asaduddin Owaisi, 3 from TDP, 2 each from TMC, Congress, JD(U) and Shiv Sena and 1 each form DMK, BSP, SP and 2 Independent MLAs.
None of the Rajya Sabha MPs have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves, the report added.
State-wise, Uttar Pradesh accounts for the highest number (15) of MPs and MLAs with hate speech related cases. According to the quint, BJP-ruled UP is also the state that recorded the highest number of communal incidents, with a rise of 17% in the year 2017.
ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) have analyzed the self-sworn affidavits of all sitting MPs and MLAs. The analysis is based on the affidavits submitted by the candidates and MPs/MLAs prior to the last election they contested.
As per a study done by NDTV the use of hateful and divisive language by high-ranking politicians has increased by almost 500% under the Modi government.
On Sunday, Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi had asked BJP leaders to refrain from making "irresponsible" statements, saying such comments hurt the party's image.
ADR in its recommendations said that strict action must be taken against the candidates giving hate speech prior to and during elections, and against the elected legislators even after elections, if found guilty of indulging in hate speech.
‘Hate politics’ seems to be gaining currency all over the country and allowing the ruling party to create communal tension on religious grounds. This is a grave situation, given the fact that a state government recently denied permission to prosecute its chief minister over hate speech causing detrimental effects to the rule of law.
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