New Delhi: Social media figure Mohammed Faiz Khan has drawn criticism over remarks he made about All India Students’ Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora, amid protests in Delhi over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Khan used a sexually suggestive description while referring to Bora and criticised her public opposition to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and her calls for accountability over the SIR exercise. His remarks have prompted criticism over the nature of his comments about the student leader.
Bora was among several protesters detained by Delhi Police on October 2 during demonstrations near Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The protests continued on October 3, with Bora and other demonstrators again detained as they attempted to reach the protest site.
The demonstrations have been organised by student groups, opposition parties and civil society activists over concerns surrounding the SIR exercise and alleged deletions from electoral rolls. The Election Commission has defended the revision process, while protesters have called for greater transparency and accountability.
Khan has a presence on social media and runs accounts discussing political, social and religious issues. He has also been associated with the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, an organisation linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The controversy surrounding his remarks comes amid heightened political activity over the SIR exercise and the protests against the Election Commission. On October 3, several protesters, including Bora, were detained again as police deployed heavy security and barricades around Jantar Mantar.
