Human rights group writes to EC, demanding action against BJP candidate for ‘derogatory’ remark targeting disabled people – Times of India

NEW DELHI: National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Disabled Persons (NCPEDP), A rights of disabled people organisation has written a letter to the Election Commission demanding action against BJP’s Safidon candidate in Haryana Ram Kumar Gautam about his alleged derogatory remarks against disabled people during an election campaign.
In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, NCPEDP Executive Director Arman Ali drew the attention of the EC to a video uploaded on a local news channel, in which Gautan was allegedly seen using the derogatory term “langda” during his campaign speech on September 6, during the campaign.
“Such language is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of fairness and respect for persons with disabilities in political discourse,” Ali said in the letter, which highlighted that the BJP leader’s remarks violate the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, as well as the EC’s Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
NCPEDP also cited the ECI advisory which clearly states that political parties and their representatives should avoid derogatory references to disability in speeches or public statements. The advisory states that any use of derogatory language, terminology, context, ridicule or insults against a person with disability may lead to action under the law.
In its letter, the volunteer organisation urges the ECI to urgently address the issue and ensure that such violations are met with appropriate consequences.