Controversial Election Ad in India Raises Concerns Over Islamophobia
An election advertisement released by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India has sparked significant backlash for promoting Islamophobia. The video, part of the campaign for the legislative elections in Jharkhand, depicts Muslims in a derogatory manner, suggesting they bring a foul odor into the homes of opposition supporters. Critics, including academics and political leaders, have condemned the ad as a clear example of hate speech against Muslims and other minority groups.
The ad features scenes of Muslim children damaging furniture and women in hijabs overtaking a household, which has been labeled as “shamefully communal” by Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the People's Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized that such rhetoric threatens the secular fabric of India, particularly concerning the Kashmiri leadership that has embraced a secular and democratic identity despite being a Muslim-majority region.
Election Commission Takes Action
In response to the uproar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) intervened by ordering the removal of the video from the BJP’s social media platforms, citing violations of the model code of conduct during elections. This action came after the first phase of voting on November 13 and ahead of the second phase on November 20, with results expected on November 23.
The controversy surrounding the BJP's campaign strategies is not new. Home Minister Amit Shah's previous comments labeling Bangladeshis and Rohingya as
infiltrators
have also fueled tensions. The BJP has a history of using inflammatory rhetoric against Muslims, including previous campaigns that depicted Muslims as “invaders” and accused the Congress party of facilitating Muslim dominance in Indian society. These tactics have drawn legal challenges and public outcry, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding communal tensions in India.
