Yogesh Sawhney files police complaint against BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa over abusive remarks

Jammu, 23-04-2026: District Congress Committee Jammu Urban President and former minister of J&K, Yogesh Sawhney, on Wednesday lodged a formal complaint at Peer Mitha Police Station against BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa over his crude, abusive, and defamatory remarks targeting Congress leadership. Sawhney, accompanied by working president PCC Raman Bhalla and former MLC Ved Mahajan, along with several ward presidents, block presidents, and party workers, submitted the complaint to the SHO seeking registration of an FIR. The complaint alleges that Randhawa used highly offensive, derogatory, and unparliamentary language against senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, during a public address. It further states that his remarks included dehumanizing comparisons, insinuations of blind allegiance, and statements indicating threats of physical harm. Congress leaders said that these remarks, widely circulated across social and electronic media platforms, have caused serious reputational damage, public outrage, and concern over disturbances to public peace. The complaint invokes provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 356 (defamation) and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), along with other relevant provisions related to criminal intimidation and public disorder, and calls for strict legal action along with preservation of electronic evidence.

Speaking on the matter, Congress leaders said, “The kind of language used by the person is disgraceful and completely unbecoming of an elected representative. Such statements are not only defamatory but are clearly intended to provoke, intimidate, and create divisions among people. Public representatives are expected to uphold dignity and responsibility in their speech, but this conduct reflects a deliberate attempt to lower the standards of political discourse. When abusive and threatening remarks are made openly and then circulated widely, it creates an atmosphere of fear and hostility. We have filed this complaint to ensure that the law takes its course and that strict action is initiated. No one should be allowed to misuse their position to spread hatred and undermine democratic values.”

They further said, “There has been a consistent pattern where BJP leaders resort to provocative and irresponsible statements instead of engaging in meaningful political discussion. This kind of language damages the fabric of democracy and can seriously disturb peace and harmony in society. Political disagreements should be expressed through constructive dialogue, not through abuse and threats. The wide circulation of such remarks on digital platforms further aggravates the situation and increases the risk of unrest. It is important that authorities act firmly and set a clear precedent that such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Strict action in this case will send a strong message and help maintain the dignity of public life”.