Two questions (no.24 and no.25) have been mentioned specifically in the petition as being intended to polarise voters on religious lines.
Question 24, according to the petition, asked, “Did Hibi Eden vote against the Citizenship Amendment Act introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party in order to exclude Muslims? If not, is Eden not letting down the minorities that the Sangh Parivar is targeting?” (translated from Malayalam).
Question 25, according to the petition, asked ” When the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which targets Muslims and allows the detention of citizens under suspicion of terrorism without any judicial process, was introduced in Parliament, did Hibi Eden vote against it?” (translated from Malayalam).
Thomas contended that including such questions in the pamphlet amounts to hate speech as it polarises votes from the Muslim community. He further contended that since the pamphlet also requested votes for the LDF candidate, it violates Section 123(3A) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
Thomas also argued that the statements in the pamphlet are false since no law has been implemented by the government of India targeting the Muslim community at any point in time.
“The pamphlet distributed by the LDF Parliament Committee is condemnable and it is against the social harmony in the State of Kerala. The distribution of the said pamphlet shall create fear and hatred towards other religions across India. (That) they are circulating the same with a question mark shall not change the message conveyed to the public. The intention of the LDF Parliament Committee is to secure votes from the Muslim Community through these types of false statements,” the petition stated.
Source: Barandbench
