A delegation of more than 700 eminent individuals, comprising retired government officials, academics, and senior journalists, has filed a written complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the Election Commission of India on the basis of violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his broadcast speech on April 18.
The complaint, dated April 20, addresses the Chief Election Commissioner with an argument stating that this broadcast, which took place on Doordarshan and All India Radio channels, amounted to "partisan propaganda," not a "government declaration." The delegation argues that by using government apparatus in broadcasting what they claim is a campaign speech, the party in power has achieved an "unfair advantage" over others, creating an imbalance in the level-playing ground that the coming election requires.
The timing of the speech is particularly sensitive, as the MCC is currently in force across West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, with results on May 4. As per rules, ministers are strictly prohibited from combining their official visits with electioneering or using government resources to further their political interests. The complainants, who include former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and economist Jayati Ghosh, have urged the Commission to review the broadcast and, if a violation is found, ensure the speech is removed from official archives. They have also suggested that opposition parties be granted equal airtime on public broadcasters to redress the balance.
The controversy centres on the Prime Minister's remarks regarding the failure of the 131st Constitutional Amendment in the Lok Sabha. In his speech, he pointedly addressed the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and the Samajwadi Party, and said that their opposition to the bill constituted "crushing the dreams of women." He apologised emotionally to the women of the country and said that the opposition members in Parliament preferred partisan politics over patriotism and that their behaviour constituted "an attack on the dignity of women."
The Election Commission is being pressured by the signatories to take action fast to "maintain the sanctity of the electoral process."
Also read: TMC targets PM Modi over ‘jhalmuri’ break in Jhargram
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