Election Commission Orders Halt to ‘Viksit Bharat’ WhatsApp Messages Amid Election Code Violation Concerns
The Election Commission of India has taken decisive action by directing the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to immediately stop the circulation of WhatsApp messages related to “Viksit Bharat: Modi Ki Guarantee.” This decision came after numerous complaints were received about messages promoting government initiatives reaching citizens, despite the announcement of general elections and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The commission has also requested a compliance report from the IT ministry, marking a significant step to ensure fairness during the electoral process.
The controversy centers around the ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’ campaign, which has been actively disseminating messages seeking public feedback and suggestions, accompanied by a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although MeitY has responded by noting that some messages might have been delayed due to systemic and network limitations and were sent before the MCC was in place, the Election Commission’s move reflects its commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all parties during the elections.
The crackdown on ‘Viksit Bharat’ messages is part of a broader initiative by the Election Commission to uphold the integrity of the election process. By addressing potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct, the Commission aims to ensure that the electoral battle is fought on equal grounds, thereby reinforcing the democratic ethos of the nation. The development has garnered significant attention, highlighting the ongoing efforts to balance political communication and electoral fairness in the digital age.
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