The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president, Ajay Rai, has been booked by the Varanasi police for allegedly making abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The case was registered on a complaint by a local BJP leader, who accused Rai of using unparliamentary language against the Prime Minister during a public meeting held in the city on Sunday.
Details of the Incident
According to the police, the incident took place at a gathering where Rai was addressing party workers. In his speech, he allegedly used derogatory terms against PM Modi, which were captured on video and went viral on social media. The complainant, a Bharatiya Janata Party functionary, submitted a memorandum to the police demanding action, following which an FIR was lodged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Legal Action Taken
The police have registered a case against Rai under Sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the IPC. A senior police officer confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and further action will be taken based on the evidence collected.
Rai, however, denied the allegations, claiming that his speech was taken out of context. He stated that he only criticized the policies of the central government and did not use any abusive language. He also accused the BJP of trying to silence opposition voices through frivolous cases.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP. While the BJP demanded an apology from Rai and the Congress party, the latter stood by its state chief, calling the FIR a desperate attempt to divert attention from real issues. Congress leaders condemned the move, terming it an attack on freedom of speech.
This is not the first time that Ajay Rai has been in the news for controversial statements. Earlier, he had made remarks about the Prime Minister's educational qualifications, which had also drawn criticism from the ruling party.
The case is likely to escalate political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming elections. Both parties are expected to use this incident to mobilize their respective voter bases.
