(Image source from: Twitter.com/ECISVEEP)
In a bold move to ensure compliance with the model code of conduct, the Election Commission has directed the Union government to cease the transmission of Viksit Bharat messages through WhatsApp. Additionally, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has been instructed to promptly provide a report on their compliance. This action by the Election Commission on Thursday was prompted by numerous complaints regarding the violation of the model code by MeitY's distribution of these messages. In response, the ministry explained that the messages, containing a letter from the Prime Minister, were sent out on March 15, before the model code of conduct was enforced. It was also acknowledged that some messages may have been delayed due to system architecture and network limitations.
The Lok Sabha election dates were announced by the Election Commission on March 16, and the model code of conduct immediately took effect. The message disseminated by the ministry aimed to showcase the government's various policies and initiatives, while also seeking feedback and suggestions from the recipients. Describing itself as an ongoing initiative by the Indian government to assess flagship schemes and enhance their implementation, Viksit Bharat Sampark, marked with a green tick, sent the aforementioned message. The message also includes the address of MeitY and a link to its website.
Following the DMK's complaint, the Election Commission (EC) recently directed the chief electoral officer of Karnataka to take action against Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje for her alleged derogatory remarks about people from Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the panel ordered the removal of all unauthorized political advertisements, instructing the cabinet secretary, chief secretaries of all states, and chief electoral officers to comply. These actions are seen in light of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar's previous statement, where he asserted that the poll panel would utilize all available means to combat four obstacles to fair elections: muscle power, financial influence, dissemination of misinformation, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
