The Election Commission of India has instructed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to halt the distribution of “Viksit Bharat” messages via WhatsApp. This directive comes in response to numerous complaints regarding government initiatives being promoted via citizens’ phones despite the commencement of general elections and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Acknowledging the complaints, the poll body revealed that MeitY clarified that while the messages were dispatched before the MCC was implemented, some may have experienced delays due to technical constraints. This decision forms part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure fair competition among political parties.
The WhatsApp messages originating from ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’ have been soliciting feedback and input from citizens, often accompanied by a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his correspondence, issued just before the election announcement, the PM emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Addressing recipients as “my dear family members,” in line with the BJP’s ‘Modi Ka Parivaar’ (Modi’s family) narrative, the PM expressed gratitude for the trust and support of India’s 140 crore citizens. He attributed the government’s schemes and initiatives to the significant transformation witnessed in people’s lives, hailing it as the administration’s foremost accomplishment over the past decade.
This move by the Election Commission underscores its commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and maintain a level playing field for all political stakeholders. The decision to curb government messaging during the election period aims to prevent undue influence on voters and ensure a fair and transparent electoral environment.
With the general elections looming, the role of digital platforms such as WhatsApp in disseminating political messaging has been scrutinised. The Election Commission’s intervention reflects the need to regulate such communications to uphold the principles of free and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy.
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