Raipur, November 5: Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) president Amit Jogi has rejected claims that he is absconding following an FIR registered against him over a satirical video targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In a video statement, Jogi clarified that he is currently in Gujarat under official security provided by Gujarat Police.

Jogi said he is in Gujarat to attend previously scheduled events from November 2 to November 8. He added that his office had informed the Inspector Generals of Police (IGs) of Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, along with other concerned officials, about his travel schedule on October 30.

Questioning the police action of pasting a notice at his residence, Jogi alleged that the move caused humiliation to his mother and wife. He said the police could have contacted him directly instead of putting up a notice at his house.

The controversy revolves around a satirical video posted by Jogi, featuring symbolic wedding and honeymoon scenes using masks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The characters were portrayed under the names ‘Gyanu and Janu’.

Following a complaint by Ramesh Singh Thakur, BJP Raipur district president, Civil Lines police station registered an FIR against Jogi under Sections 196, 352, 353(2) and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.

As the controversy escalated, Jogi deleted the video and issued a public apology.

However, he questioned the inclusion of Section 196 of the BNS, which deals with promoting enmity between different groups. Jogi argued that treating political satire as a communal offence poses a direct threat to the freedom of dissent in a democracy.

In his statement, Jogi also referred to the historical tradition of political satire, citing 5th-century BC Greek playwright Aristophanes and the traditional role of the Vidushak in Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra. He said satire has historically served as a medium to question those in power and established systems.

Jogi further stated that his party decided not to contest elections from 2024 onwards as a protest against alleged flaws in the electoral process. He described the entire episode as an issue concerning democratic rights, freedom of expression and the right to dissent.