Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 30: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday lodged a police complaint against the Maharashtra Congress over a series of controversial and allegedly misleading posts shared from its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, accusing the party of attempting to mislead the public and incite unrest.

The complaint, filed by BJP Social Media Cell Coordinator Prakash Gade at the Marine Drive police station, pertained to posts depicting a BJP office on fire amid the Ladakh statehood protests, Uttarakhand paper leak protests, and Congress’ Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. Gade alleged that the posts spread misinformation targeting the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and affiliated organisations, adding that such actions amounted to a criminal offense.

On September 28, the Maharashtra Congress tweeted about the recent protests in Leh, stating, “The BJP should not see the end of the people. Otherwise, just as the Gen Z in Leh set the BJP office on fire, a similar situation will arise across the entire country.” This followed clashes during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion for Ladakh, which led to the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike. Congress has voiced support for Wangchuk and criticised the Centre over the handling of the situation.

Another Marathi-language post warned the Modi government, saying, “They’ve thrown into jail someone who toils for Leh-Ladakh, for the country, but Modi-Shah, remember, if the people awaken, your Delhi throne will shake.”

Following the BJP complaint, police registered an FIR under Sections 192, 353(1), and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), covering provocation with intent to cause a riot and public mischief.