BJP leader Kirit Somaiya announced on Sunday that the District Election Officer of Maharashtra’s Parbhani district has initiated an investigation into the alleged divisive remarks made by Maulana Khalilur Rehman Sajjad Nomani. According to Somaiya, the inquiry report is expected by the evening.
Somaiya had filed a formal complaint with the Maharashtra Election Commission, accusing Nomani of making inflammatory statements. Speaking to ANI, Somaiya alleged, “Maulana Nomani described supporting BJP as ‘vote jihad’ and called for a social boycott of BJP supporters. The Election Commission officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway.”
Criticism of Opposition and Alleged Polarization
Somaiya criticized NCP chief Sharad Pawar and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, accusing them of supporting organizations like the All India Ulema Board and promoting demands such as a 10% reservation and a ban on the RSS. He questioned their stance, saying, “Does Sharad Pawar feel ashamed or scared to speak about Hindus?”
He further alleged that Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Salman Khurshid, propagated concepts like “vote jihad.” Somaiya also took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, accusing them of creating unnecessary drama and criticizing the Election Commission unfairly.
Fadnavis Slams Nomani and Opposition
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also condemned Maulana Nomani’s remarks during a campaign in Nagpur, accusing Congress and its allies of resorting to polarization tactics ahead of the assembly elections. Fadnavis said, “In a video, Nomani calls for boycotting BJP supporters and refers to ‘vote jihad.’ Such divisive rhetoric is unprecedented in Indian politics.”
Upcoming Maharashtra Elections
With Maharashtra’s 288 Assembly seats set for elections on November 20 and results to be declared on November 23, campaigning has intensified. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition MVA are striving to secure voter support amid escalating political tensions.