EC Directs X: Remove Karnataka BJP's Controversial Video

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has intervened, directing social media platform 'X' to remove a controversial animated video posted by the Karnataka unit of the BJP, allegedly targeting Muslim reservation and Congress.

The ECI issued a statement on Tuesday, instructing 'X' to promptly take down the contentious video, citing a violation of the Representation of People Act. This directive follows a prior notice sent by the Karnataka police to 'X' on Sunday, urging the removal of the video.

In its communication to the nodal officer of 'X,' the ECI highlighted that an FIR has already been lodged in the matter. Furthermore, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, through the Cyber Crime Division in Bengaluru, had previously directed 'X' to remove the objectionable content in accordance with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules of 2021. However, the video had not been taken down as of the issuance of the directive.

The contentious video targeted the Congress amid the Muslim reservation controversy, portraying Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as "eggs" in a reservation basket. An animated depiction of Rahul Gandhi is shown adding another "egg" symbolizing the Muslim community into the same basket. The video insinuates that Congress leaders prioritize the Muslim community over SC, ST, and OBCs, suggesting preferential allocation of funds to them.

Following its circulation on social media platforms, the Karnataka Congress lodged a complaint against BJP national president J P Nadda, party's IT cell head Amit Malviya, and state unit chief B Y Vijayendra. Ramesh Babu, Chairman of the media and communications department of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, alleged that the video violated the model code of conduct and constituted an offence under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.

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