Delhi BJP to EC: Appoint Observers at Mosques to Stop Hate Speech

In a letter, Delhi BJP cited alleged attempts by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to polarise voters on religious lines

File image of Manoj Tiwari.

(Photo: PTI)

The BJP's Delhi unit has requested the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to appoint special observers at mosques to prevent any attempt to influence voters on "religious lines" during the Lok Sabha election.

In a letter, Delhi BJP's legal department convenor Neeraj cited alleged attempts by some Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to polarise voters on religious lines and requested the CEO to appoint special observers at mosques.

We are bound to write you this complaint due to recent repeated attempts to polarise voters on religious lines by the convener of the AAP, Arvind Kejriwal, and his party members.

Letter by Delhi BJP Legal Convenor, Neeraj

A Request for Special Observers in Mosques

No immediate reaction was available on the issue from the AAP.

"He has been giving baseless statements to polarise the voters in Muslim dominated areas," Neeraj said.

He requested the CEO to appoint special observers for mosques in Muslim-dominated areas so that the political and religious leaders cannot spread "hate" among people to "influence" elections.

If any violation takes place, based on the reports of the special observers, the Election Commission can take immediate cognizance of it and initiate necessary action.

Letter by Delhi BJP Legal Convenor, Neeraj

This is a matter of “grave concern” to ensure free and fare elections without any violation of the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha Elections 2019, he added.

Polling in seven seats in Delhi will take place on 12 May.

No Using the Name of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala

Earlier this week, political parties in Kerala were asked by the poll authority to refrain from soliciting votes in the name of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala, in the coming polls.

Sabarimala had witnessed frenzied protests over the women's entry issue after the CPI(M)-led LDF government had decided to implement the 28 September 2018 Supreme Court verdict, allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the hill shrine.

Parties must not use the name of Lord Ayyappa for soliciting votes and creating disharmony, the Kerala Chief Electoral Officer said during an all-party meeting on Wednesday.