New Delhi: Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics and activists, have written to the Election Commission of India alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) through his national address on April 18, and have sought an inquiry and remedial action.
The complaint, dated April 20 and addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, claims that the address—broadcast on government platforms such as Doordarshan, Sansad TV and All India Radio amounted to “electioneering and partisan propaganda” during the enforcement of the MCC.
Allegations of misuse of official platforms
The signatories argued that the use of government-funded media for the Prime Minister’s address provided the ruling party with an “undue advantage”, potentially undermining the level playing field required for free and fair elections.
They cited provisions of the MCC that prohibit ministers from combining official duties with political campaigning and from using official machinery for partisan purposes.
The group has urged the poll panel to examine both the content and the manner of the broadcast, and to determine whether it breached electoral norms.
MCC in force across multiple states
The Model Code of Conduct is currently in effect in several states and Union Territories, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where Assembly elections are underway.
Polling in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 23, while West Bengal is set to vote on April 23 and April 29. Vote counting for these elections will take place on May 4.
Demand for equal airtime
In their representation, the signatories also called for corrective measures, including providing equal airtime on public broadcasters to other political parties, if prior permission had been granted for the telecast of the Prime Minister’s address.
They stressed that ensuring fairness in access to media platforms is crucial during the election period.
Prominent signatories
The letter has been endorsed by several notable individuals, including former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, political economist Parakala Prabhakar, activist Yogendra Yadav, economist Jayati Ghosh, and musician-author T M Krishna.
Other signatories include Harsh Mander, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Zoya Hasan, and Annie Raja, along with several former bureaucrats, journalists, lawyers and academics.
Call for swift action
The complainants have urged the Election Commission to act promptly to “uphold the sanctity of the electoral process” under its constitutional mandate.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Election Commission regarding the complaint.
Conclusion
The complaint adds to ongoing debates around the application of the Model Code of Conduct during elections. The Election Commission’s response to the allegations will be closely watched, as it could have implications for the interpretation and enforcement of electoral norms in the country.