K’taka Polls: How did BD, PFI find a mention in Congress manifesto?

Team Udayavani, May 7, 2023, 12:36 PM IST

Bengaluru: The BJP, in its election campaign rallies has trained guns at Congress over their promise of taking action against organizations like Popular Front of India (PFI) and Bajrang Dal in their manifesto.

An India Today report quoting sources mentions that the Congress had only mentioned taking action against organistaions that indulge in hate speech, and disrupt communal harmony in the law and justice chapter of the manifesto. The names of PFI and Bajrang Dal were included in the manifesto later following a suggestion by a central leader, the report states.

It was believed that the mention of the two organizations would help to consolidate Hindu and Muslim votes in the upcoming election to be held on May 10.

The report, quoting a former cabinet Minister mentions that the idea to pledge a ban on Bajrang Dal and PFI should have been attributed to a recent judgment of the Supreme Court, wherein it directed States/UTs to take suo-motu action against hate speeches.