New Delhi: A group of prominent social activists has approached the Supreme Court with a petition accusing several chief ministers and ministers of making inflammatory anti-Muslim statements that stoke social tensions and undermine constitutional responsibilities.
The plea highlights remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who allegedly used terms like ‘Miya Muslim’ and ‘Flood Jihad’; Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s reference to ‘Kathmulla’; and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s controversial comments. It also criticises BJP leader Nitesh Rane for calling Muslims ‘Pakistani pimps’ and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for urging youth to seek historical revenge, which petitioners claim fosters unrest.
Filed by 12 activists, including former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, John Dayal, and Roop Rekha Verma, the petition argues that such rhetoric creates division and fear in society. It condemns demands to remove members of a religious community from voter lists as unconstitutional and seeks clear court directives to curb divisive speeches, upholding the dignity of constitutional posts and principles of equality.
Petitioners emphasise that public platforms should not be misused to incite hatred, urging the apex court to safeguard India’s secular fabric amid rising polarisation. The case underscores growing concerns over hate speech in politics, potentially setting a precedent for accountability.