The poll panel has also mandated the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to promptly submit a compliance report.To ensure adherence to the model code of conduct, the Election Commission has asked the Centre to immediately stop sending the “Viksit Bharat” messages via WhatsApp. The poll panel has also mandated the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to promptly submit a compliance report.
This action follows numerous complaints received by the Election Commission, alleging violations of the model code by MeitY through the transmission of these messages. Opposition leaders also called upon the Election Commission to act against what they alleged was a “blatant violation” of the model code of conduct.
“In response, MeitY had informed the commission that although the letters were sent out before MCC came into force, some of them could have possibly been delivered to recipients with a delay because of systemic and network limitations,” the poll body said.
“The move is a part of a series of decisions taken by the Commission to ensure a level-playing field,” it added.
The announcement of the dates for the Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, was made on March 16, led to the immediate enforcement of the model code of conduct.
The messages sent by the ministry sought to showcase various governmental policies and schemes, while also soliciting feedback and suggestions from recipients. The sender’s handle, bearing a verified green tick, identifies itself as “Viksit Bharat Sampark,” an ongoing initiative of the Government of India aimed at evaluating flagship schemes and enhancing their implementation and delivery. It also provides MeitY’s contact information and includes a link to its website.
The letter accompanying the messages, addressed to “my dear family members” in line with the BJP’s “Modi Ka Parivaar” narrative, reflects on a decade of partnership with the people. The Prime Minister attributes the transformative changes in people’s lives to government schemes and programs, citing it as the administration’s most significant achievement over the past decade.