Absurd And Violation Of Citizen’s Rights: P Chidambaram On Model Code Of Conduct In Tamil Nadu After Elections Are Over

In the aftermath of the first phase of the Lok Sabha lections 2024, former union minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram has raised concerns over the continuation of restrictions imposed by the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Tamil Nadu. Despite the completion of polling in the state, the MCC remains in effect until June 1, a decision Mr. Chidambaram deems as perplexing and restrictive to citizens’ rights.

“The continuation of the restrictions under Model Code of Conduct (MCC) after today’s polling in TN is absurd and a violation of the rights of citizens,” Mr. Chidambaram expressed. “What purpose does the MCC serve after the poll? If there is any mysterious purpose, the ECI may continue MCC for about 7 days after the poll. But why until June 4?”

In his statement, Mr. Chidambaram called upon the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu to address the grievances of traders and business persons affected by the prolonged restrictions. He urged for a considerable relaxation of the MCC’s constraints on private citizens.

Polling for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections for the formation of 18^th Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament, recorded high voter turnout despite the heat wave, according to the Election Commission data.

Tentative figure of voter turnout across 21 States/UTs reported is over 60% at 7 PM.

In a seven phase General Elections 2024, 102 Parliamentary Constituencies across 21 States/UTs went to polls today. States including Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep completed their voting process.

Tamil Nadu, in which all 39 Lok Sabha constituencies went to poll today, recorded a 62.19 per cent voting till the provisional polling announced by the Election Commission.

The General Elections 2024, conducted in seven phases, are scheduled to conclude on June 1, with the MCC set to remain in place until the completion of the electoral process. The Election Commission of India has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the MCC guidelines rigorously, emphasizing the importance of fair and transparent elections.

The Model Code of Conduct, enforced from the announcement of the election schedule until the culmination of voting, aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral process by preventing malpractices and undue influence on voters. Any violations of the MCC are subject to strict action, including warnings, fines, or disqualification of candidates, as mandated by the Election Commission.

The Commission has issued instructions for the swift and effective enforcement of the MCC, particularly in the initial and final 72 hours of the electoral process. These guidelines are crucial in maintaining the sanctity of elections and upholding democratic principles in India.