107 MPs and MLAs have hate speech cases against them: ADR

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• Oct 4, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The analysis was conducted based on the self-sworn affidavits submitted by all incumbent MPs and MLAs...

Digital Desk: In a startling revelation, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has disclosed that a total of 107 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) in India have hate speech cases filed against them. Furthermore, in the last five years, 480 candidates with similar cases contested elections, according to data analyzed by the ADR and National Election Watch (NEW).

The analysis was conducted based on the self-sworn affidavits submitted by all incumbent MPs and MLAs, as well as unsuccessful candidates who contested the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections over the past five years.

Perhaps most concerning is that many of these lawmakers themselves have declared cases related to hate speech, raising questions about the appropriateness of their positions. In total, 33 MPs have declared hate speech cases against themselves. These lawmakers come from various states, with seven hailing from Uttar Pradesh, four from Tamil Nadu, and three each from Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana, among others. Even states like Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have not been immune to this issue, each contributing two MPs with hate speech cases.

Over the same five-year period, 480 candidates with declared hate speech cases contested elections to various legislative bodies, including state assemblies, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.

Digging deeper into the political affiliations of these lawmakers, it was found that 22 MPs with hate speech cases belong to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while two are from the Congress. Other parties represented include the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), AIMIM, AIUDF, DMK, MDMK, PMK, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), VCK, and one Independent MP.

When it comes to MLAs, a total of 74 have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh stand out with nine such MLAs each, followed by six each from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. States like Assam and Tamil Nadu also have their share of lawmakers with hate speech cases, with five MLAs each.

Among these MLAs, the Bharatiya Janata Party has 20 members with hate speech cases, while the Congress has 13. Other parties represented include the AAP, SP, YSRCP, DMK, RJD, AITC, SHS, AIUDF, AIMIM, CPI (M), NCP, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, TDP, Tipra Motha Party, and TRS, along with two Independent MLAs.

The revelation of such a significant number of lawmakers and candidates facing hate speech cases raises concerns about the state of Indian politics and the need for stricter accountability measures. The ADR's analysis sheds light on an issue that calls for immediate attention and action to uphold the integrity of the democratic process in the country.