Political Firestorm: Tejashwi Yadav Booked for 'Vote Thief' Remark Against PM Modi

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav finds himself embroiled in a fresh legal controversy, having been booked in Uttar Pradesh for a contentious social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The RJD leader faces charges stemming from an online declaration where he purportedly labeled the Prime Minister a "vote thief," an accusation that has swiftly ignited political temperatures.

The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged in Varanasi, a constituency of significant political weight, on Monday, June 10, 2024.

The complaint was initiated by an advocate named Ashok Kumar Dubey, who deemed Yadav’s remarks as not only defamatory but also a deliberate attempt to sow discord and mislead the public, particularly in the context of electoral integrity.

According to the filed complaint, Tejashwi Yadav's post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) made direct and serious allegations.

The specific phrase, "vote thief," attributed to the Prime Minister, has been cited as the core of the legal action. Such a direct and inflammatory label during or immediately after a high-stakes general election carries significant weight, both legally and politically.

The booking comes under several stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Representation of People Act.

Specifically, Yadav has been charged under IPC Section 171G, which pertains to making false statements in connection with an election, and IPC Section 500, addressing defamation. Furthermore, Section 125 of the Representation of People Act, which deals with promoting enmity between classes in connection with an election, has also been invoked.

These sections highlight the gravity with which the authorities view the alleged transgression.

The timing of this legal action is particularly noteworthy, occurring in the wake of the intensely contested 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Varanasi, being the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency, adds another layer of political sensitivity to the complaint.

Yadav, a prominent figure in the opposition INDIA bloc, has been a vocal critic of the ruling party, and this incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political discourse.

Political analysts suggest that this FIR could set a precedent for how public figures engage in rhetoric on social media, especially concerning allegations related to electoral processes.

The case will undoubtedly draw considerable attention, scrutinizing the fine line between political criticism and what constitutes defamation or electoral misconduct. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation will be watching closely to see the implications for free speech and political accountability in the digital age.