Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Sunday sought answers from the government as to why action was not taken against those spreading the “agenda of hatred” in the society through the media.
He cited a recent video of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader and former MP Rakesh Sinha, in which Sinha had claimed that he was asked to speak objectionable words in a debate on TV, but he refused and Said that as a responsible leader of RSS he would not make such comments. Sinha said that instead of doing so, he would prefer to work as an “actor” in Mumbai.
Surjewala, in a post on ‘X’, asked what could be a bigger proof than this of spreading ‘agenda of hatred’ through journalism in the country. He said that based on the statement of the RSS leader and former MP, some basic questions should now be asked to the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the police.
Surjewala said, “Is spreading a hate agenda on the basis of religion with deliberate intention under section 153 A, 295 A, 505 of IPC (Indian Penal Code) or section 196, 299, 353 of BNS (Indian Justice Code)?” Is it not a punishable offence? Will Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Police Commissioner take cognizance of this and immediately register an FIR and take action against the television channel, anchor and others?
The Congress leader also asked in his post whether the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA), Broadcast Editors Association (BAA) should not take cognizance of this and take action against such channels and anchors, who are mentioned. Sinha has done it.
He said, “Is it not a direct violation of the license agreement of the TV channel to deliberately hold hate debates and incite abuses on the basis of religion and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should issue a notice to the channel spreading hatred?” Shouldn’t the license be cancelled?
Surjewala asked, “Will the Government of India issue a notice and seek answers from the channel, when its leaders themselves are confirming it?”
Congress General Secretary said, “If the above action is not taken within 24 hours, will it not be proved that this agenda of spreading hatred, creating division on the basis of religion, deliberately dividing the society is being carried out by the TV channel and the BJP-Modi government together? Are you there?”
Surjewala said, “Is all this being done to gather votes by dividing the society into Hindu-Muslim? Now Rakesh Sinha should also accept his sophistry and sins committed in the past.
