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.
This incident comes at a tense time, just before the second phase of voting on November 20, 2024. Allegations have surfaced about the BJP using shadow social media accounts to further divisive narratives, particularly targeting Muslims and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. With accusations of breaching electoral laws, this controversy raises important questions about the conduct of political campaigns during sensitive election periods
