In the run-up to the elections in Karnataka, a First Information Report has been lodged against Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Legislative Assembly from Belagavi rural constituency, Sanjal Patil, for ‘communal speech’ made on April 15.

The FIR was based on a complaint by an Election Commission Flying Squad official, ND Kolakar, following which the Marihal police registered a case under Sections 153(A), promoting enmity between two groups; 295(A), deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings; and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, promoting enmity between classes in connection with elections.

A video of the speech, made at a campaign meeting in Sulebhavi village four days ago, was widely circulated. In it, Patil is heard saying, “This election is not about road, gutter or drinking water…This election is about Hindus vs Muslims, Ram Mandir vs Babri Masjid.” Adding to that, “I am Sanjay Patil, I am Hindu, this is a Hindu rashtra and we want to build the Ram temple. If Lakshmi Hebbalikar says she can build the mandir – vote for her. They will build Babri Masjid instead. Whoever wants Babri Masjid, Tipu Jayanthi they should vote for the Congress. And who wants Shivaji Maharaj and Ram Mandir should vote for the BJP.”

In reaction to the speech, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee(KPCC) president G Parameshwara tweeted, “BJP has always been about communal politics.”

Notably, the BJP has not yet distanced itself from the MLA’s statement.