While the model code of conduct prohibits government functionaries to address the nation in between the announcement of election dates and the dates of polling via radio or television, DD News had relayed the programme. The national broadcaster explained to the Election Commission that it was not its own telecast but news agency ANI's. ANI, in turn, got it from YouTube. Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make an announcement of any new policy decision, which is prohibited at the time when the model code is in vogue.
New Delhi: Days after the election commission of India took cognisance of a complaint against the Prime Minister for his address to the nation on Mission Shakti, the poll body has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, say sources.
Sources say the committee members feel that prima facie, the Prime Minister was not in violation of model code as he didn't seek votes for himself or candidates of his party (BJP) during the address. Sources also say the PM didn't appear to incentivise the voters either.
Earlier the poll panel set up a committee to probe whether Modi's speech violated the modal code of conduct which is in force for Lok Sabha polls. Now, the EC says there was no violation of modal code in PM's speech.Sources say the committee held at least two meeting regarding that contentious address.
Earlier, the Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena went on record to claim, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had neither informed nor sought any permission from the poll body to broadcast his address.
In a televised address to the nation, PM Modi said an Indian missile had shot down an Indian satellite in space, making India only the fourth country after the United States, Russia, and China to have that capability.
Modi also tweeted that he has something important to share, before the much-anticipated address, creating suspense. Many political parties cried foul over it and claimed the PM violated the model code of conduct that is in force. "Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity-mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of election (in April-May)," Mamata Banerjee, Bengal's chief minister tweeted.
Even Akhilesh Yadav lashed out at the PM, and so did the Congress.
Earlier, Ec in a press note stated, "The matter related to the address of the Prime Minister to the Nation on electronic media today afternoon has been brought to the notice of the Commission. The Commission has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of Model Code of Conduct.
The Model code was not violated in PM’s address on ASAT testing as there was no misuse of official Media, said the committee of officers. DD has stated none of their staff were involved and it was a news feed from news agency ANI that they used.
The probe was ordered after CPIM chief Sitaram Yechury approached the EC complaining against PM Modi.
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