The arrest of BJP leader PC George on Monday came as no surprise. His anticipatory bail plea had already been rejected—first by a lower court, then by the Kerala High Court. His offense? Yet another instance of hate speech, this time on live television, where he equated Muslims with terrorists and suggested they should relocate to Pakistan.
This was not an isolated incident. George has a history of incendiary remarks, particularly targeting the Muslim community. The High Court denied him bail, recognizing that he had already violated a previous assurance to refrain from such divisive rhetoric. Though he later attempted to downplay his remarks as a “slip of the tongue”, those who watched the broadcast knew better—his statements were neither accidental nor apologetic, but a deliberate attack.
A Political Evolution Rooted in Hate
PC George’s political career has been long but largely unremarkable. Once a Kerala Congress leader, he won multiple assembly elections but never rose beyond the role of Chief Whip. His political ambitions far exceeded his actual influence.
The turning point in George’s career came when he realized that a significant portion of the Muslim electorate in his constituency had voted against him. Instead of introspection, he chose a path of communal hostility, using anti-Muslim rhetoric to bolster his political relevance.
His eventual shift to the BJP only amplified his Islamophobic stance. Even within the party, his entry was met with skepticism. However, once inside, he seemed to believe he had free rein to spread hate speech without consequence.
Hate Speech: A Symptom of a Larger Disease
George’s actions are not an anomaly—they reflect a larger and more dangerous trend in Indian politics and public discourse. Social media platforms like YouTube are flooded with venomous content, targeting religious minorities. Even respected religious figures, such as a Shankaracharya, have openly called for violence against non-Hindus.
One such leader has reportedly announced plans to visit three Christian-majority villages in Chhattisgarh on March 1, openly advocating for ethnic cleansing. That such figures continue to walk free raises serious questions about law enforcement and constitutional integrity.
The Need for Decisive Action
The Indian Constitution guarantees free speech, but it also safeguards the right to practice any religion without fear. Selective outrage and political convenience cannot dictate law enforcement.
The law must act swiftly and decisively. Men like PC George should not just be condemned; they must be held accountable. Only then can India uphold its constitutional values of secularism and communal harmony.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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