What did Tejashwi Yadav say about PM Modi? FIRs filed against RJD leader in UP, Maharashtra

Separate FIRs have been filed against RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur over his alleged objectionable remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.

The FIR was registered at Gadchiroli Police Station under sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups), 356 (defamation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace), and 353 (statements that cause public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint from local BJP MLA Milind Ramji Narote.

In Shahjanpur, a complaint was filed by BJP’s city president, Shilpi Gupta. The Sadar Bazar booked Yadav under sections 353(2) (spreading rumours) and 197(1)A (making allegations through a picture) of the BNS.

In her complaint, Gupta alleged that Yadav's "indecorous comment" against the prime minister caused "immense anger among the people of the country."

She said that the post was made from the official RJD account and it read: "Today, the vote thief will come to Gaya, Bihar, and will tell lie after lie in front of the Biharis."

The alleged objectionable post was made ahead of Modi’s visit to Gaya Ji where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth Rs 13,000 crores for the poll-bound state. 

‘BJP fears truth’

Reacting to the FIRs filed against him, Yadav asked if saying the word “jumla” has become a crime.

“Who is scared of an FIR? Saying the word 'jumla' has also become a crime... They fear the truth... We are not scared of any FIR and we speak the truth..." he said.

Other party leaders also criticised the FIRs, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to suppress opposition voices. RJD leader Sanjay Yadav said Tejashwi was only reminding people of unfulfilled promises made by the BJP. 

"What kind of words did he (Tejashwi Yadav) use? Who promised to give Rs 15 lakh in every citizen's bank account? Who promised to deliver 2 crore jobs every year? Who promised to give a special package and special status to Bihar? Who promised to develop Bihar?... If reminding him about his promises to Bihar, you should file an FIR in every district of the country... Why file an FIR by just one MLA?,” he was quoted as saying by ANI news agency.