Patna: Citizens for Justice and Peace has filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar and the Election Commission of India against BJP MP Ashwini Kumar Choubey. The group said his speech in Pirpainti on November 9 targeted Muslims through population remarks and claims about infiltrators. The Model Code of Conduct is in place for the ongoing state elections.
The complaint said Choubey appealed to Muslim voters to reduce their population. He linked them with infiltrators from across the border. The group said the speech tried to create fear and suspicion among voters by placing Indian Muslims and undocumented entrants in the same category. It said this narrative builds prejudice and undermines the rights of Muslim citizens.
CJP said the remarks amounted to hate speech. It said the comments framed Muslims as demographic threats and questioned their belonging in the country. It said this form of speech harms the electoral process by shifting the focus from public issues to identity based politics. Pirpainti has a mixed population and a sensitive history. The complaint warned that speeches of this nature raise tensions and isolate Muslim residents.
The complaint listed violations under the Representation of the People Act. It cited sections on religious appeals, intimidation and promotion of hatred. It also pointed to offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including promotion of enmity, public mischief and group targeting. It said the speech breached the Model Code of Conduct and constitutional rights to equality and dignity.
CJP asked the Election Commission to register an FIR. It asked for Choubey to be barred from campaigning until the investigation is complete. It also asked the Commission to issue a public warning to all political parties against communal appeals. The group said the Commission must protect free and fair elections under its constitutional mandate.
