Political Firestorm: RJD's Tejashwi Yadav Booked Over 'Objectionable' Post Targeting PM Modi

A significant political storm is brewing as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav finds himself at the center of a legal controversy. An FIR has been lodged against the prominent opposition figure in Pune, Maharashtra, following a complaint regarding an 'objectionable' social media post aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The complaint, filed by Atul More, a vigilant member of the BJP Yuva Morcha, alleges that Yadav's post on X (formerly Twitter) was not only defamatory but also intended to incite animosity.

The Pune police have acted swiftly, booking Yadav under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 505(2) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes), and 171G (false statement in connection with an election).

The contentious post, reportedly uploaded on June 4 – a pivotal day coinciding with the Lok Sabha election results – is said to have depicted Prime Minister Modi in a manner deemed 'objectionable' by the complainant.

Beyond the visual representation, the post also contained serious allegations concerning the now-scrapped electoral bonds, rising unemployment figures, and the persistent issue of inflation. These claims, according to More, were designed to spread misinformation and create disaffection.

When confronted with the news of the FIR, Tejashwi Yadav reportedly expressed unawareness of the specific legal action.

However, he unequivocally stood by the essence of his statements, reiterating his commitment to raising pertinent issues that affect the common populace. Yadav has consistently positioned himself as a vocal critic of the government, often highlighting socio-economic challenges.

This development adds another layer to the already charged political landscape, especially in the aftermath of a closely contested general election.

The lodging of an FIR against a high-profile opposition leader for a social media post underscores the increasing scrutiny on online political discourse and the fine line between free speech and speech deemed inflammatory or false by authorities and rival parties. As the investigation proceeds, this incident is likely to fuel further debate on political expression and legal repercussions in India.