The Election Commission demands an action report on Sajjad Nomani’s alleged comments

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra on Saturday directed the Parbhani District Collector and Deputy District Electoral Officer to submit an action report within 24 hours regarding Maulana Khalil-Ur Rahman Sajjad Nomani’s alleged controversial comments.

The letter, dated November 16, directed the officials to act in accordance with the procedures of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

“Based on the complaint received, necessary action should be taken as per rules and a report should be submitted within 24 hours,” the letter said.

Confirming receipt of the letter, Parbhani District Collector Raghunath Gawade said, “As per the instructions of the Election Commission, we have referred the matter to the Model Code of Conduct Cell of the district. The cyber cell has also been involved in the investigation into the matter and their findings will be reported to the committee.”

The action follows a complaint filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya against Nomani, the spokesperson of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Somaiya alleged that Nomani gave hate speeches and promoted ‘vote jihad’ among Muslim communities. According to Somaiya, Nomani has inflamed communal sentiments by calling for a social boycott of Muslims who support the BJP. He also alleged that Nomani encouraged such individuals to adopt non-Muslim names and made inflammatory appeals during public speeches.

The controversy centers around a video circulating on social media in which Nomani allegedly makes divisive comments at a public event. BJP leaders have strongly condemned the comments, with Somaiya calling them inflammatory and urging the ECI to take strict action to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state.

Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized Nomani during a public address in Nagpur on Saturday. Fadnavis accused him of calling for a boycott of BJP supporters among Muslims and promoting ‘vote jihad’.

Fadnavis also attacked the Congress and its allies, alleging that they were using divisive tactics to win votes before the elections. “This kind of polarization has never been seen before,” Fadnavis said. He further accused the opposition of trying to divide society for fear of electoral defeat, adding that such actions undermine the democratic process.

The case has sparked intense political debates in the state as election campaigns intensify, with both sides raising criticism over communal polarization and election ethics.