In a significant escalation of political tensions, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), calling for a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The complaint stems from Gandhi’s recent remarks in Mumbai, which the BJP claims were divisive and incendiary, aimed at stoking regional and institutional distrust.
On November 6, during a public speech in Mumbai, Gandhi accused the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to “end the Constitution” and alleged that the ruling party has compromised institutions like the Election Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Income Tax Department to influence political stability. “The people of BJP, the people of RSS, want to end the Constitution,” Gandhi claimed in his speech.
In response, a BJP delegation comprising Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajya Sabha MP Arun Singh, author Om Pathak, Bihar councillor Sanjay Mayukh, and BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala submitted a video link of Gandhi’s speech to the ECI. The delegation accused Gandhi of making “grossly unverified” statements, claiming his rhetoric distorts the truth and incites distrust in national institutions. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala remarked, “Such rhetoric undermines national cohesion and misleads the public for narrow electoral gains.”
One of the focal points of the BJP’s complaint is Gandhi’s assertion that Maharashtra has been deprived of major business and economic opportunities. According to Gandhi, projects such as Apple iPhone production and Boeing manufacturing, initially set to benefit Maharashtra, were diverted to other states under the current government. However, the BJP counters this claim, pointing to recent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) data showing Maharashtra received Rs 70,795 crore in FDI from April to June 2024, leading the country in inflows during that period.
The BJP’s complaint to the ECI argues that Gandhi’s statements are deliberately inflammatory and aimed at “inciting the youth of Maharashtra.” By suggesting a loss of economic opportunities, they allege, Gandhi is fostering divisive sentiments between Maharashtra and neighboring states, particularly Gujarat. The party’s memorandum further recalls previous warnings issued by the ECI to Congress leaders during the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023 and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing Gandhi’s alleged tendency for “inflammatory rhetoric.”
The BJP’s plea goes beyond a mere warning. They are pushing for a legal investigation under specific sections of Indian law, including Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, which addresses actions that threaten India’s sovereignty and integrity, as well as Section 353 for disseminating false information likely to incite public unrest. Additionally, they have requested action under the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, which prohibits promoting enmity between different groups of citizens.
Labeling Gandhi as a “serial offender,” the BJP insists that his recent comments reflect a pattern of what they describe as “divisive and incendiary” behavior, warranting immediate intervention by the ECI.