ECI Directs BJP & Congress Party Presidents To Caution Party Star Campaigners From Making Statements Violating MCC

Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed BJP president JP Nadda and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to issue formal notes of caution to party star campaigners to refrain from making any statements prohibited in the Model Code of Conduct. In each letter issued today to the respective party presidents, the Commission said that no party or candidate should indulge in any activity or utterances which may aggravate existing differences and communal discord. 

The Commission has asked Mr. Nadda to direct star campaigners of his party to refrain from making speeches which may divide the society. It has further asked the BJP, as the ruling party at the Centre to fully align the campaign methods to the practical aspects of the composite and sensitive fabric of India.

The Commission directs Congress star campaigners not to politicize the defence



forces. It has also directed Mr. Kharge to convey to the star campaigners to not make statements which give false impressions such as that the Constitution of India may be abolished or sold. The Commission said that it expects Congress to fully align the campaign methods to the practical aspects of the composite and sensitive fabric of India.

The commission has said that Elections are a process when political parties not only contest to win but also present themselves in their ideal best for the voting community. It has further asked campaigners and candidates to desist from indulging in any political propaganda and maintain decorum during the election period.

The directions came in response to the complaints filed by both parties regarding inappropriate statements made during poll campaigning.