To
Shri Rajiv Kumar
Chief Election Commissioner
Shri Gyanesh Kumar
Election Commissioner
Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
Election Commissioner
Dear Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, S/Shri Gyanesh Kumar/ Rajiv Kumar,
Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister is reported (https://dhunt.in/TyGZK) to
have said, during an election speech in Tamil Nadu, that
“Everyone in Tamil Nadu knows what Shakti is in Hinduism. In Tamil Nadu, Incarnations of Deities are considered as forms of ‘Shakti’. Kanchi Kamakshi Amma, Madurai Meenakshi Amma, Samayapuram Mariamma Devi have big temples in the State. Apart from this, Hindus also believe in ‘Matru Shakti’, ‘Nari Shakti’ …… the plans of the INDIA Alliance have been revealed in their first rally itself. During their first rally in Mumbai, they made statements about destroying ‘Shakti’, about fighting against ‘Shakti’. Their statement has been a sheer insult to the Hindu religion, Hindu faith”
Invoking the religious sentiments by a political leader during elections brazenly violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). If what has been reported is factually correct, the Commission should act on this urgently and initiate deterrent, exemplary proceedings against the person making such a statement.
The above cited statement also amounts to a hate speech that tends to incite people and the Commission should take appropriate action.
Such statements, not substantiated through a legal process, tend to tilt the level playing ground unduly in favour of the ruling political party at the Centre.
I hope that the Commission acts urgently, decisively, without fear, as per it’s mandate under Article 324 to conduct elections in a free and fair manner.
Regards,
Yours sincerely,
E A S Sarma
Former Secretary to the Government of India
