In Maharashtra’s Solapur, a public meeting was organized by Vanchit Bahujan Yuva Aghadi (VBYA) concerning the proposed Hate Speech (Prohibition Act) 2021, also known as the Prophet Mohammed & Other Religious Heads Prohibition of Slander Act, 2021.
The event took place at Rang Bhavan on 2 July and featured a powerful speech delivered by Sujat Ambedkar, the great grandson of Dr. Ambedkar and son of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar.
The VBA, in collaboration with Muslim organizations such as Raza Academy and Tahsfuz Namus-e-Risalat Board, conceptualized the draft of the proposed Act. Prakash Ambedkar, the president of VBA, has been persistently urging the Maharashtra government to introduce this legislation in the state assembly.
During the July 2 event, Sujat Ambedkar shed light on several critical issues, including mob lynching, Hindutva attempts to incite anti-Muslim riots, jailing Muslim youths, and the power-hungry politics pursued by the BJP and Hindutva forces.
Sujat emphasized the importance of providing legal protection to Muslims through the implementation of the proposed legislation.
“All those parties vouching for ‘development’ are fooling the public. The only development they need is their own personal development. For that they will put innocents behind bars. They will charge UAPA upon Muslims who opposed CAA-NRC-NPR. For that they will instigate Hindu-Muslim riots,” Sujat said.
“Just two days back, Muslims of Solapur informed the cops about the vendor (Hindutva cadre) who sold Pakistan Zindabad flags to incite anti-Muslim violence. We need legislation to end this atrocity and for peaceful environment for Muslims to live in. This bill is for that,” he said.
The gathering also witnessed speeches by VBA State Spokesperson Farooque Ahmed and VBYA State Committee Member Afroz Mullah.
Afroz Mullah highlighted the exclusive ability of VBA to address this issue and fulfill the aspirations of the Muslim community, as mainstream political parties have thus far failed to implement even the 5% reservation for Muslims in Maharashtra, despite its validation by the Bombay High Court.
 concerning the proposed Hate Speech (Prohibition Act) 2021, also known as the Prophet Mohammed & Other Religious Heads Prohibition of Slander Act, 2021.){kind=link}