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KOLKATA: Two complaints have been lodged at different police stations in New Delhi against 26 opposition political parties for the alleged “improper use” of the name of the country.
The complaints come in response to the joint alliance formed by these parties, which they have named I.N.D.I.A. – an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance – as they aim to present a united front for the upcoming 2024 general election.
Vithal Chowdhary, organising secretary for Youth4PanunKashmir, filed a complaint at the Uttam Nagar Police Station on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Dr Avinish Mishra filed a complaint at the Barakhamba police station, emphasising that the name of the country should not be used for personal benefit.
In his complaint, social activist Chowdhury highlighted the potential violation of laws and regulations by these parties and called for a thorough investigation into their actions.
In the complaint letter, Chowdhary asserted that the use of the name I.N.D.I.A. in the political alliance is an attempt to deceive and polarise voters. He argues that such an act violates Clause 1 of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits activities that aggravate existing differences, create mutual hatred, or cause tension between different castes, communities, religions, or languages.
Furthermore, Chowdhary cites Sections 3 and 4 of The Emblem and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, which prohibit the unauthorised use of certain emblems and names. He contends that the coalition’s use of the name I.N.D.I.A. falls within the purview of these sections, as it contravenes the specified provisions.
Chowdhury emphasises that the alliance’s actions aim to divide the diverse population of India and manipulate voters by presenting other parties as anti-Indian. He expressed deep concern over this attempt to distort the unity and diversity represented by the name I.N.D.I.A. and called it a grave insult to the founding principles of the Indian Constitution.
The complaint also raises suspicions about the coalition’s association with parties that have supported separatist groups in Kashmir, advocated for a separate constitution, and allegedly engaged in activities associated with ethnic cleansing. Chowdhary urged a comprehensive investigation into the alliance and its activities to ensure accountability and uphold the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Chowdhary requested a fair investigation into these matters to address potential violations and protect the democratic fabric of the nation.
Meanwhile, in his complaint, Dr Mishra too cited Section 3 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, which prohibits the use of certain specified names, including the name of the Union of India listed in Point 6 of the schedule. He argued that the use of the name I.N.D.I.A. by the political parties violates this act.
The complaint letter also expressed concerns over the emotional impact on Indians who identify themselves as citizens of India. It suggested that the use of the name I.N.D.I.A. by the alliance could disturb public order, peace and tranquillity in the country.
The letter further claimed that the act was intended to gain undue political influence by misrepresenting the alliance before the electorate of India.
Dr Mishra urged the authorities to take necessary action against the 26 political parties under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
In a separate development, Ashutosh Dube, a BJP leader from Maharashtra, lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, the apex election body of the country, against the use of the name I.N.D.I.A. by the opposition parties.
Dube argued that referring to the victories of these parties as “India has won” and vice versa is a “sense of national insult.”
The decision to form the joint alliance under the name I.N.D.I.A. was made during a meeting held in Bengaluru, where the top leaders of the 26 opposition parties gathered to strategise a united approach against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
