Thane: Police Scrutinize BJP Leader T Raja Singh’s Speech in Mira Road for Possible Communal Remarks

Thane, 26th February 2024: On Monday, the police in Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar announced that they are scrutinizing the transcripts of a speech delivered by BJP leader T Raja Singh at Mira Road on Sunday, suspecting the presence of communal remarks. A senior police officer stated that after thoroughly analyzing the speech, they would seek legal opinion to determine if any action should be taken against him.

T Raja Singh had initially been denied police permission for a rally on Mira Road, a location of recent communal clashes. However, the Bombay High Court later granted permission under the condition that he would refrain from engaging in hate speech. The Telangana MLA had given a written undertaking to the zonal DCP, pledging not to indulge in hate speech.

The police, having video-recorded the entire speech, are reviewing it again to assess potential violations of the undertaking. While certain phrases used by Singh during the speech seem to prima facie breach the undertaking, a final decision will be made after a thorough examination.

During the rally organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj, which took place in the evening and attracted a few thousand attendees, Singh reportedly spoke for over 40 minutes about Chhatrapati Shivaji. Allegedly, he used derogatory language referring to the Muslim community and called for a commitment to work towards a Hindu Rashtra, opposing jihad, conversion, and cow slaughter.

Singh also urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to “liberate” Shivaji’s forts from what he claimed were illegally constructed mosques. Mira Road BJP MLA Geeta Jain also reportedly addressed the rally, emphasizing the strength of Hindu unity.

The rally occurred just before the commencement of Shab-e-Baraat, a night when Muslims engage in prayers in mosques. Notably, both Singh and AIMIM leader Waris Pathan had planned to visit Mira Road on Shiv Jayanti, but Singh later rescheduled for January 25, while Pathan was detained by the police.

Following a legal battle, the Bombay High Court directed the Mira Road police to grant permission for Singh’s rally, imposing specific terms and conditions. The court also instructed the police to record the entire procession and speeches at the rally.