More than 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics and public figures, have approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that Narendra Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his national address on April 18.
Complaint flags alleged MCC violation
In a letter dated April 20 to the chief election commissioner, the signatories argued that the Prime Minister's speech, broadcast on state-run platforms such as Doordarshan, Sansad TV and All India Radio, amounted to "electioneering and partisan propaganda" during the MCC period.
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They contended that the use of government-funded media provided the ruling party with an "undue advantage", raising concerns over fairness in the electoral process. The complaint also pointed out that ministers are restricted under the MCC from mixing official duties with political campaigning or using state resources for partisan gain.
Poll-bound states under MCC
The Model Code of Conduct is currently in force in several poll-bound states, including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.
The complainants have urged the Commission to examine both the content and the broadcast of the address and take appropriate action if violations are established. They also called for equal airtime for opposition parties on public broadcasters if prior permission had been granted for the telecast.
Call for corrective action
Some signatories have gone further, demanding the removal of the speech from official platforms if it is found to be in breach of the MCC. They emphasised the need for the poll panel to act promptly to "uphold the sanctity of the electoral process" under its constitutional mandate.
Who signed the letter
The letter has been endorsed by several prominent figures, including former Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, activist Yogendra Yadav, economist Jayati Ghosh, musician-author TM Krishna and former Union secretary EAS Sarma.
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In his April 18 address, Prime Minister Modi spoke about the failure of the 131st Constitutional amendment in the Lok Sabha, describing it as a setback for women.
