EC Orders BJP Jharkhand to Remove Communal Post

The Jharkhand BJP has been asked to take down a social media post the Election Commission says violates the Model Code of Conduct. The party has also been asked to explain “the alleged violation of provisions of MCC (Model Code of Conduct) on account of their referred social media posts.”

The poll panel’s decision came following a complaint by the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and ally Congress.

The two parties complained that the BJP message — posted on X and Facebook — “contains a communal, malicious and misleading video with the caption ‘poore Jharkhand ka kaya palat denge’ (Will change the face of Jharkhand),” the Commission said in its order.

“On perusal of the complaint, it appears that the above referred social media post is prima facie violative of the MCC. It is therefore, directed to take immediate action as per existing laws and procedures and thereafter direct the concerned social media platforms, through the authority designated in the State of Jharkhand under section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act to take down the referred posts immediately,” the order to the state’s Electoral officer read.

The JMM-led ruling coalition is hoping for a second term in power, riding on its welfare schemes including Maiyan Samman Yojana.

The NDA has promised a stop to infiltration and corruption by the Grand Alliance government, pointing to the arrest of Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a corruption case ahead of the election.

The BJP’s key promises include “driving out infiltrators,” implementing Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Rs 2,100 per month to every woman, and 5 lakh employment opportunities for the youth.

The first phase of election in Jharkhand is already over, in which voting was held for 43 of 81 assembly seats.

The second phase of elections will be held on November 20, while the votes will be counted on November 23.