Election Commission Directs MeitY to Halt WhatsApp Messages Amid Model Code of Conduct
Desk Report, March 21, 2024: In a recent directive, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to cease the transmission of messages via WhatsApp on the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative. This action comes in light of the prevailing model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of the upcoming general elections, slated for April and June.
The ECI, in its communication, highlighted concerns raised from various quarters regarding the continued dissemination of such messages to citizens’ mobile devices. With the MCC now in effect, the ECI mandated MeitY to promptly halt any further distribution of ‘WhatsApp messages’ during this period. Additionally, MeitY has been requested to furnish a compliance report without delay.
Notably, millions of Indian users received messages from a WhatsApp number linked to the IT ministry. These messages purportedly originated from the “Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” soliciting “ideas, suggestions, and support” to advance the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Critics, however, have decried the messaging campaign as a clear breach of the model code of conduct. The opposition contends that Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’ missive through WhatsApp constitutes an egregious violation.
The underlying objective of the WhatsApp communication was to gather feedback and suggestions from citizens regarding government initiatives and policies. However, its timing and method of dissemination have raised eyebrows, particularly within the political arena.
As the electoral landscape intensifies with campaigning and regulatory oversight, the ECI’s directive underscores the importance of upholding fairness and impartiality in the electoral process.
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