Online campaign urges Election Commission to act against hate speech and poll violations

A coalition of diverse citizen organizations has launched a campaign calling on the Election Commission of India (EC) to address instances of hate speech and electoral violations, particularly those involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders of the BJP.

The initiative, dubbed #GrowASpineOrResign, commences on Saturday, May 11, with over 2,000 citizens from Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other cities participating.

These participants intend to send postcards to the Chief Electoral Officers and the EC in Delhi, urging decisive action against hate speech and electoral misconduct.

“This is a citizen initiative, with support from organizations like Bahutva Karnataka and People's Union For Civil Liberties,” stated Vinay Kumar, an activist based in Bengaluru. “Demonstrations are planned in Bengaluru and Delhi on May 11, with gatherings scheduled outside the offices of the Chief Electoral Officer in Bengaluru and the Nirvachan Sadan in Delhi at 11 am.”

Additionally, a collective of various citizen organizations will submit a letter to the Chief Electoral Officers and the EC in Delhi on May 11. The letter addresses three significant concerns: the EC’s failure to address hate speech, delays in releasing voter turnout data, and reports of candidate coercion leading to withdrawals of nominations in Surat and Indore.

“The Election Commission has failed to assert its authority,” Vinay emphasized. “Candidates have reported coercion leading to withdrawals, and there's been a delay in releasing voter turnout data, raising concerns of possible manipulation. The EC has the power to intervene. What steps is the Election Commission taking to prevent such occurrences?”