BJP Leader Alleges ‘Media Jihad’ in Moradabad By-Elections

BJP Leader Shalabh Mani Tripathi Alleges ‘Media Jihad’ in Moradabad By-Elections

On November 21, BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi stirred controversy by accusing Muslim journalists of promoting disinformation during the Moradabad by-elections. Taking to X, Tripathi shared a list of journalists, all from the Muslim community, and alleged they were part of a coordinated campaign to spread fake news and manipulate narratives during the elections. Jihad

Accusations of ‘Media Jihad’

Tripathi’s tweet highlighted a list of 32 journalists representing various media outlets, including local newspapers and national channels like Republic Bharat and News 18. He suggested that these individuals, along with around 100 active Muslim YouTubers in Moradabad, were responsible for spreading disinformation.

Tripathi’s claims echo a previous incident during the Bahraich violence, where he also released a list of Muslim journalists allegedly engaged in biased and misleading reporting. He argued that their narratives downplayed the murder of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra while amplifying a selective version of events.

कंटे छंटे वीडियो व तस्वीरों के जरिए यूपी उपचुनाव में जिस मुरादाबाद से सर्वाधिक झूठ फैलाया गया, वहां कवरेज कर रहे पत्रकारों की सूची भर देख लीजिए !! #मीडियाजिहाद pic.twitter.com/YZ0F6OlpKF

— Dr. Shalabh Mani Tripathi (@shalabhmani) November 21, 2024

He further alleged, “The video of Gopal Mishra taking down the green flag came out, but the videos of the attack on Goddess Durga’s idol, stone pelting, and the brutal killing of Gopal Mishra disappeared.”

Fake Voting Allegations in Moradabad

Tripathi’s allegations extend beyond the media to the conduct of the by-elections. The BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Samajwadi Party (SP) supporters of fake voting. According to the complaint, outsiders were lodged in mosques and madrasas within Moradabad’s Kundarki and Sisamau constituencies. These individuals allegedly used fake voter IDs to cast votes on behalf of deceased or absent voters.

A viral video added to the controversy, showing SP candidate Haji Rizwan opposing voter ID checks and police barricades near the polling station. BJP leaders argued that such actions were aimed at facilitating fake voting.

बहराइच से ख़बरें भेज रहे पत्रकारों के नाम भर पढ लीजिये,समझ आ जाएगा कि ख़बरें कितनी निष्पक्ष व सच्ची हैं,यूट्यूबरों की जमात अलग से जुटी है,पूरा सिस्टम ही भिड़ा है दंगाइयों को बचाने में,झूठ फैलाने में !! pic.twitter.com/5JcFGYdfzn

— Dr. Shalabh Mani Tripathi (@shalabhmani) October 14, 2024

The Election Commission responded by suspending seven police personnel across three districts for allegedly influencing the voting process. Actions included suspending two sub-inspectors in Kundarki and removing inspectors in Muzaffarnagar for violating protocols.

A Broader Pattern of ‘Narrative Jihad’

Tripathi’s claims of ‘media jihad’ reflect a broader concern within the BJP about narrative manipulation by a section of the media. By releasing names of Muslim journalists, Tripathi aims to expose what he calls biased coverage designed to protect certain groups while demonizing others.

This pattern, he suggests, undermines the integrity of the democratic process and fuels distrust among voters. The BJP has called for greater transparency and accountability in election coverage, urging the Election Commission to take stricter measures to ensure unbiased reporting.

The Need for Transparency in Reporting

The allegations of ‘media jihad’ and fake voting raise significant questions about the role of media and election integrity. Accurate and unbiased reporting is crucial for a functioning democracy, especially during elections.

The BJP’s complaints to the Election Commission highlight the need for stricter checks to ensure free and fair voting. Addressing concerns about narrative manipulation is equally essential to maintaining public trust in both media and electoral processes.