India’s election watchdog on Monday banned four outspoken politicians, including two top members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, from campaigning in the country’s national vote for making provocative speeches. The measures came after the Supreme Court called on the election commission to get tough on hate speech during the world’s biggest election, which started last Thursday and runs to May 19. Indian politicians are often accused of using hate or intimidation to win support of the electorate, but soliciting votes on religious lines or threatening voters is prohibited.
