TMC moves EC to censor Suvendu's "hate speech", submits pendrive as evidence

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India, urging the immediate censorship of controversial comments made by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal. The complaint was submitted ahead of the upcoming by-elections, which are scheduled to take place soon. The TMC alleges that Adhikari’s speech on November 9, 2024, during an election rally, constitutes hate speech and violates the Model Code of Conduct, which regulates political conduct during elections.

The TMC delegation, including senior leaders Kunal Ghosh, Shashi Panja, and Joyprakash Majumdar, met with Election Commission officials to raise their concerns. According to the TMC, Adhikari’s comments were inflammatory and designed to sow discord among communities. The speech, which included references to Bangladesh’s internal matters, was deemed inappropriate by the ruling party. TMC leaders argue that discussing the domestic affairs of a neighboring country in the context of an election is not only irrelevant but also provocative, particularly given the lack of accurate information available.

TMC’s complaint also emphasized that Adhikari’s remarks could violate the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits speeches that promote hatred, communal division, or religious intolerance. The party accused the opposition leader of trying to create a volatile atmosphere, thereby undermining the election process. The TMC expressed concerns that such inflammatory rhetoric could escalate communal tensions, which would be detrimental to peace and harmony in the state, especially during a sensitive election period.

The TMC delegation submitted a pen drive containing a recording of Adhikari’s speech as evidence to the Election Commission. In the complaint, they demanded that the Commission immediately take action to stop the circulation of the speech, warning that its continued dissemination could lead to heightened social unrest. They also called for disciplinary measures against Adhikari if the speech is found to breach the Election Commission’s guidelines.

In response to the complaint, the Election Commission assured the TMC that it would thoroughly investigate the allegations. A spokesperson for the Commission stated that any violation of the Model Code of Conduct would be addressed in accordance with the law, and appropriate measures would be taken to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. The Commission is responsible for ensuring that political speeches and campaigns remain within the boundaries of the law, especially with regard to communal harmony and the prevention of hate speech.