Indian police register complaint against Muslim Congress leader over “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans

The Bengaluru Police in India registered a suo moto case after a complaint was filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in connection with an incident involving a Muslim Congress leader, and his supporters allegedly chanting "Pakistan Zindabad slogans." 

According to Indian media reports, the incident unfolded as Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain celebrated his victory in Rajya Sabha (upper house) at his party secretariat in Karnataka on February 27. During an interview with a reporter, his supporters reportedly started chanting "Pakistan Zindabad."

The situation escalated when local news channels broadcasted reports about the incident, claiming that pro-Pakistan slogans were chanted by the Congress supporters. The BJP promptly filed a complaint with the Bengaluru police at the Vidhana Soudha station. Various politicians, including those from the Congress party, called for an investigation into the matter.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who hails from the Congress party, responded to the controversy, stating, "We have sent the voice report to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). If it is confirmed that somebody raised such a slogan - 'Pakistan Zindabad,' that person will face serious consequences."

Pro-Pak Slogan Inside Vidhana Soudha of Karnataka :

Supporters of Rajya Sabha winner from Congress Syed Nasir Hussain had raised “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans in the corridors of the Vidhana Soudha, the Bengaluru city police registered a suo motu case

“Zindabad Zindabad Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/fL9FKU2UWw

— 𝗔𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗶 (@TheRudra1008) February 28, 2024

However, Congress leader Naseer Hussain vehemently denied the accusations of raising pro-Pakistan slogans on the microblogging site 'X,' asserting that slogans of "Congress Party Zindabad" and "Naseer Hussain Zindabad" were the ones raised.

He called for action against those responsible for such slogans and urged an investigation into the video, suggesting it may have been doctored for politically motivated reasons. Hussain stated, "But as far as I am concerned, when I was there, no slogan was shouted... So let us wait for the inquiry, and whatever comes out will be there in the public domain."

#WATCH | On the complaint filed by Karnataka BJP alleging that the supporters of Dr Syed Naseer Hussain raised the pro-Pakistan slogan at Vidhana Soudha, Congress leader Dr Syed Naseer Hussain issued a clarification and said, "Today, as some of our workers and supporters and… https://t.co/Pb1dpjwn83 pic.twitter.com/m0wWWxmO13

— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024

Co-founder of the fact-check news portal Alt News and journalist, Muhammad Zubair, shared consecutive posts on 'X,' asserting that slogans of 'Nasser Sahb Zindabad' were clearly audible, and no news channels present there heard pro-Pakistan slogans.

Kannada News Channels are more upset than the BJP members as Congress won 3 RS seats in Karnataka. They've now resorted to Fake propaganda accusing Muslims of raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans when you can clearly hear 'Nasir Saab Zindabad'. It was also confirmed by several… pic.twitter.com/cqDlU6CtNw

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) February 27, 2024

The incident has fueled confusion in Indian media, as authorities have  yet to determine the video's authenticity. This underscores how hostile portrayals of Pakistan are exploited by far-right politicians for political gains. Whereas, in Pakistan, political parties do not engage in discrediting India for electoral success.