The BJP’s Jharkhand unit is under fire for a controversial advertisement released ahead of the state’s ongoing Assembly elections. The ad, which depicted a scene suggesting individuals from a specific community were entering a JMM supporter’s house, has been widely criticized as “deplorably communal.” Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned the ad, labelling it a threat to India’s secular fabric.
What a terrible anti-Muslim election advertisement by the BJP in Jharkhand.
— Jawhar Sircar (@jawharsircar) November 18, 2024
The sold-out Election Commission will, of course, remain mum! @zoo_bear @svaradarajan @Jairam_Ramesh @MdNadimulHaque6 @mahuamajilive @ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/DzFU3Edr9D
In response to the backlash, including from opposition parties Congress and JMM, the Election Commission of India (ECI) intervened. The ECI stated that the ad violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and ordered its immediate removal. They also demanded an explanation from the BJP, concerned that the ad could foster hatred and enmity.
As Jharkhand gears up for the second phase of voting on November 20, 2024, a political storm brews over a controversial advertisement released by the BJP’s state unit. The ad, criticized for allegedly stoking communal sentiments, has sparked outrage among political leaders and citizens alike. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti denounced the ad as “deplorably communal” and a threat to India’s secular fabric.
The controversy comes amid allegations that the BJP has been leveraging shadow social media accounts to disseminate divisive narratives, particularly targeting Muslims and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Critics claim these tactics aim to polarize voters and undermine social harmony, a serious accusation in the midst of a sensitive election.
The Election Commission has been urged to take notice of these developments, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of breaching electoral laws and manipulating public sentiment. While the BJP denies these allegations, the incident has cast a shadow over the integrity of the ongoing Assembly elections.
This controversy raises crucial questions about the ethical boundaries of political campaigns and the role of regulatory authorities in ensuring free and fair elections. As voting progresses, the focus will remain on how these allegations impact the electoral landscape in Jharkhand.
