On Wednesday( 29th May), the Congress informed the Election Commission (EC) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day meditation event, scheduled at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, starting from May 30, breaches the model code of conduct (MCC) and candidate restrictions during the silent period.
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TAMIL NADU: The two-day meditation event announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, starting from May 30, has sparked controversy with the Congress alleging a violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) and restrictions imposed on candidates during the silent period. On Wednesday, a delegation from the Congress, consisting of Abhishek Singhvi, Randeep Surjewala, and Naseer Hussain, raised concerns with the Election Commission (EC) regarding the timing and media coverage of the event.
According to the Congress delegation, the timing of the meditation event raises questions about its intention.
Abhishek Singhvi emphasized-
“All these methods serve either as campaigning strategies or avenues for garnering publicity through various channels and publications.”
He further added-
“The Prime Minister has two options: either commence this after 48 hours, initiating his vow of silence from the evening of June 1, or, if he persists, the EC must ensure it isn’t televised or published by visual or print media. Mr. Modi himself is a candidate in the final phase.”
The Congress delegation proposed two options to address their concerns. First, they suggested that Prime Minister Modi commence the meditation event after 48 hours, allowing the silent period mandated by the model code of conduct to elapse. Alternatively, if the Prime Minister insists on proceeding with the event as scheduled, they urged the EC to ensure that it remains free from media coverage until after the conclusion of polling.
The controversy surrounding the meditation event extended beyond party lines, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing her party’s readiness to lodge a complaint with the EC if the event is televised. Mamata Banerjee, representing the Trinamool Congress, echoed the concerns raised by the Congress regarding the timing and media coverage of Prime Minister Modi’s meditation event.
The objections raised by the Congress and Mamata Banerjee reflect broader concerns regarding the adherence to electoral protocols and the equitable treatment of candidates during the election period. As the electoral landscape evolves, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates remains paramount in upholding the democratic process.
At an election rally in Jadavpur, West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her concerns, stating-
“We intend to file a complaint. While he is free to meditate, airing it on television is not acceptable.”
She further emphasized-
“Is it necessary to have cameras for meditation? This seems like a method of canvassing during the silent period between the end of campaigning and the polling date.”
alleging that broadcasting the meditation would violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The issue didn’t stop there. The Congress party also raised objections regarding the BJP’s divisive campaigning tactics. They highlighted objectionable advertisements circulated through the BJP’s official channels, aimed at inciting enmity and hatred among the electorate.
Additionally, there were concerns raised about the dissemination of doctored videos featuring Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. These divisive tactics were further exacerbated by inflammatory statements made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during election rallies.
Congress spokesperson Mr. Singhvi expressed his dismay, stating-
“I have informed the EC that unless decisive action is taken against him, he will feel empowered to make such statements with even greater frequency.”
The call for decisive action against such divisive campaigning tactics underscores the need for electoral authorities to enforce strict regulations to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
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In response to these allegations, the BJP has defended its actions, maintaining that their campaigning efforts are within the bounds of the law. However, the widespread condemnation from opposition parties and calls for regulatory intervention highlight the deepening polarization within the political landscape.
