association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all sitting MPs and MLAs.
The analysis revealed that many of current MPs and MLAs, who are designated lawmakers have actually declared cases related to hate speech against themselves. This analysis is based on the affidavits submitted by the candidates and MPs/MLAs prior to the last election they contested.
A total of 58 current MPs and MLAs have declared cases related to hate speech. 15 Sitting Lok Sabha MPs have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves.
However, none of the Rajya Sabha MPs have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves. While 10 sitting Lok Sabha MPs with declared cases related to hate speech are from the BJP, and 1 each is from the AIUDF, TRS, PMK, AIMIM, and SHS.
In the states, 43 sitting MLAs have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves. 17 Sitting MLAs with declared cases related to hate speech are from the BJP, 5 each are from the TRS and AIMIM, 3 are from TDP, 2 each from INC, AITC, JD(U) and SHS, 1 each from DMK, BSP, SP and 2 are Independent MLAs.
Interestingly, the state with highest MLAs booked for hate speech is Telangana. 11 sitting MLAs with declared cases related to hate speech are from the state. 4 MLAs are from Bihar, 9 MLAs are from Uttar Pradesh, 4 from Maharashtra, 3 each from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, 2 each from Uttarakhand and West Bengal and 1 MLA each from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves.
Political party leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) and Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves.
Among Union Ministers, Uma Bharti, Cabinet Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation has declared cases related to hate speech against herself while there are 8 state ministers who have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves.
The report has been compiled on the basis of IPC and RPA sections dealing with hate speech as per the Law Commission Report number 267 on hate speech.
Reacting to the report, BJP Spokesperson Amitabh Sinha said that these cases should be seen in the context of past appeasement policies of the Congress government.
"Our leaders have been booked for making inflammatory speeches which are nothing but an emotional outburst of the excesses committed by the Congress regimes," he added.
CPM leader Teekender Panwar said that this is just tip of the iceberg.
"BJP has been winning elections by spreading hatred and their development agenda is nothing but a sham," he said.
Panwar called on the Election Commission of India to initiate affirmative action against hate mongering. The EC should not only warn candidates who use hate speeches to win elections but also ensure that they don't get to fight polls at all, he further added.
