More than 700 citizens, including former government employees, academics, activists and journalists, have written to the Election Commission of India alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his address to the nation on April 18.
What did the complainants write?
In a complaint dated April 20 to the Chief Election Commissioner, the signatories claimed that the speech — which was broadcast on official platforms such as Doordarshan, Sansad TV and All India Radio — amounted to “election and partisan propaganda” during the MCC period. They said the use of government-funded media gave the ruling party an “undue advantage,” undermining the level playing field required for free and fair elections.
The MCC is currently working in election-bound states including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4. The complainants said that ministers are prohibited by law from combining official duties with political campaigns or using state agencies for partisan purposes.
The letter urged the poll committee to examine the content and manner of the Prime Minister’s speech and initiate appropriate action. He also called for equal airtime for opposition parties on public broadcasters if prior permission for television broadcasting is granted.
Some signatories also called for the letter to be deleted from official platforms if it is found to be in violation.
Who are the signatories?
The signatories of the letter include former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najib Jung, activist Yogendra Yadav, economist Jayati Ghosh, music composer TM Krishna, former Union secretary EAS Sarma, and others.
The signatories said that the committee must move quickly to “support the sanctity of the electoral process” under its constitutional mandate.
What did Prime Minister Modi say in his address to the nation?
In his address to the nation, Narendra Modi spoke about the failure of the 131st Constitutional Amendment in Lok Sabha and termed it a setback for women.
He criticized opposition parties, including the Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, accusing them of obstructing the legislation. Modi said their actions harmed women’s interests and described the defeat of the bill as a missed opportunity to strengthen representation.
He also apologized to the women for the government’s inability to pass the draft law, noting that “women’s dreams have been shattered.” The Prime Minister claimed that the opposition put political interests above the national interest, and claimed that its behavior in Parliament amounted to an “attack on the dignity” of women.
