States » WestPosted at: Jun 29 2025 12:34AM


MLC Padalkar's hate speech challenges Constitution: Congress gen-secy

Mumbai, June 28 ( UNI) Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) general secretary Jojo Thomas today strongly condemned the hate speech delivered by BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar, which has garnered significant media attention in recent days.
Thomas asserted that Padalkar's statements openly challenge the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution and the rule of law.
He emphasized that a public representative, having sworn allegiance to the Constitution, cannot be allowed to propagate hatred and incite religious discord.
Thomas declared that Padalkar is unfit to continue as an MLC and confirmed he has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging his immediate intervention and a decisive action.

Thomas highlighted that Padalkar's statements, made during a public event in Gundewadi, Sangli district, on June 17, are a blatant violation of constitutional rights and existing legal provisions.
He pointed out the severe implications of a public representative inciting citizens to take the law into their own hands, on matters outside their authority, propagating hatred against specific religious communities, and demanding religious discrimination among government employees.
Thomas added that such statements carry the potential to incite violence and represent a dangerous trend.
He underscored that Padalkar's remarks directly violate Articles 14 (Right to Equality), 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination), 25 (Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice, and Propagation of Religion), and 26 (Freedom to Manage Religious Affairs) of the Indian Constitution.
Furthermore, he noted that the speech resembles offences under Sections 153A (Promoting enmity between different groups), 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings), and 505 (Statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.

Thomas stated "even if one personally disagrees with religious conversions, the Indian Constitution grants every individual the fundamental right to believe in and practice any religion of their choice. Challenging this right publicly is unacceptable. Inciting a mob to take the law into their own hands and offering rewards for such acts constitutes a grave legal violation."
"The BJP government must clarify why an MLC who openly violates the law is being provided police protection. It is alarming that despite numerous complaints filed across various locations, the police have yet to register an FIR (first information report)," he added in his criticism.
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