Police said on Tuesday they registered a case against senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and his niece Maria Alam Khan, a Samajwadi Party leader, over an appeal she made at a public meeting on Monday for “vote jihad” in support of the INDIA bloc candidate from the Farrukhabad Lok Sabha constituency.
Farrukhabad Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Kumar stated that Maria violated the Model Code of Conduct by attempting to seek votes on the basis of religion during the meeting. Khurshid and his wife Louise Khurshid attended the meeting, which called for Naval Kishore Shakya, the INDIA bloc nominee and an SP leader.
The FIR filed at the Kaiyamganj police station in Farrukhabad district charged Maria under Sections 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 125 of the Representation of People’s Act.
What Did Maria Alam Khan Say?
Maria, in her forties and the daughter of late former MLA Izhar Alam Khan, serves as the vice-president of SP’s Farrukhabad district unit. During her speech, she reportedly urged those present to practice “vote jihad” discreetly and intelligently, stating that they can remove the party in power from government only by doing this. She also urged people to unite to save the country’s Constitution.
In a circulating video on social media, Maria allegedly states, “One must understand their position because we are only left with helping in a victory or a defeat. If we don’t unite now, our identity will be erased, which the Sanghi (BJP) government is attempting to do.” You will end up helping them win. Now only do jihad through votes and work towards defeating this Sanghi government.”
She added that she felt ashamed to hear that some Muslims organized a meeting for Mukesh Rajput (BJP’s) and expressed that the society should boycott them. She urged people not to become so selfish and to refrain from playing with the lives of their children.
BJP Candidate Gives His Opinion
Rupesh Gupta, the BJP’s Farrukhabad district president, stated, “Maria Alam Khan’s speech reflects the mentality of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party. Such words remind us of our neighboring country Pakistan.” He mentioned that they would file a complaint with the Election Commission regarding this matter.
Maria said that her intention was never to offend anyone. She pointed out that her family includes individuals from diverse castes and religions, so there is no reason for her to make any objectionable remarks.
Samajwadi Party district president Chandra Pal Singh Yadav backed her, stating that Salman Khurshid’s niece Maria Alam used the term ‘jihad vote’ to encourage Muslim women to participate in the electoral process. He clarified that jihad, an Urdu word, signifies struggle.
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