The Socialist Party (India) recently filed a complaint to Hoshiarpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sartaaj Singh Chahal against Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an FIR for alleged misuse of freedom of speech and expression. The party’s demand came over Modi’s comments during the run up to the Karnataka polls when he reportedly said “button dabao aur Bajrang Bali bolo (press the button and say Bajrang Bali)”. The party said the Prime Minister of the country is not expected to promote only one religion. The national vice-president of the party, Balwant Singh Kherha, said, “The FIR should be filed under Sections 153(A), 153(B), 295(A) and 505(2) of the IPC and Section 123(3) and 125 of the Representation of People's Act.” The sections pertain to promoting personal enmity, assertions prejudicial to national integration, outraging religious feelings and others. Kherha added, “His (Modi) speech calls for an action for promoting hatred between Hindus and others.” The Socialist Party (India) has also formed a committee with seven members, including Om Singh Satiana, president of the party and Kherha, to take up the matter.
