Tuesday, May 14

WhatsApp Message From PM Modi Reaches Foreigners; Opposition Complains Violation Of Election Code

Edited by Fazal Rahman Chembulangad
WhatsApp Message From PM Modi Reaches Foreigners; Opposition Complains Violation Of Election Code

A WhatsApp message received on the phones of many people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Indian expatriates, Emiratis, Britons, and Pakistanis surprised many, over the weekend. According to a report by Khaleej Times, the message strangely requested feedback and suggestions on the Indian government’s projects and initiatives from the foreigners. It also included a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an attachment.

The letter issued on the election schedule announcement date sought suggestions and support in realising the government’s resolve for a prosperous India. However, the message along with Prime Minister Modi’s address has surprised many who are not Indians.

The UAE media house quoted a Pakistani journalist in the Emirate as saying she wondered about the message’s relevance to her. “I received the message at midnight. It left me wondering: what sort of suggestions could Mr. Modi possibly need from me? And more importantly, should I even be providing them?” the news outlet quoted her as saying.

A similar message was received by a British resident in the UAE who had travelled to India for work. Moreover, many Emiratis have also been reported to have received same messages. Another Pakistani Fahad Siddiqui said he received the message on his long-held UAE number, calling it “very strange.”

The letter addressed people as my dear family members suggesting the ‘Modi Ka Parivaar’ (Modi’s family) slogan and highlighting the government’s schemes as significant achievements.

However, opposition parties have alleged the misuse of government resources for political outreach programs. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, sharing the screenshots of the messages received by even non-Indians tagged the Election Commission of India, urging them to take note of the misuse of government machinery.

“Will the @ECISVEEP take note of such a blatant misuse of government machinery and government data to serve the partisan political interests of the ruling party?”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) party has complained to the Election Commission accusing Prime Minister Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by sending letters to voters.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien in his letter to the Election Commission wrote, “By using the office of the prime minister, the BJP has issued the aforesaid letter at the cost of the public exchequer under the guise of a message seemingly sent by the Government of India. Such mass circulation is nothing but an appeal to the voter in favour of the BJP and Mr Modi thereby flouting the mandate of the Election Commission of India.”