New Delhi, September 21, 2023: An FIR has been filed against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for alleged “hate speech.” The FIR was filed by senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia at the Nazira Model Police Station in Assam’s Sivasagar district on September 20.
In his FIR, Saikia alleged that Sarma had made a “hateful” speech during a Jan Ashirwad rally in Vidhisha district of Madhya Pradesh on September 19. Sarma had reportedly said that 10 Janpath (the residence of the Congress president) should be burnt.
Saikia alleged that Sarma’s speech was an “instigation towards violence and arson.” He also said that the speech had been widely circulated over print, electronic, and social media, and that it had been accessed in Assam.
The FIR has been filed under Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 115/436 (abetment of an offence) of the Indian Penal Code.
The Assam Police have said that they are investigating the allegations against Sarma.
Reaction from Political Parties
The Congress has condemned Sarma’s speech, calling it “hateful” and “divisive.” The party has also demanded that Sarma be arrested and prosecuted.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended Sarma, saying that he was simply making a political point. The BJP has also accused the Congress of trying to create communal tensions.
Impact of the FIR
The FIR against Sarma is likely to have a significant impact on the political situation in Assam. The state is due to hold assembly elections in 2024, and the BJP is facing a challenge from the Congress and other opposition parties.
The FIR is also likely to increase tensions between the BJP and the Congress. The two parties have been engaged in a bitter rivalry in Assam for many years.
The FIR against Sarma is a reminder of the dangers of hate speech. Hate speech can lead to violence and division, and it is important to hold those who make hate speeches accountable
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