ECI Directs BJP, Congress Chiefs to Rein in Star Campaigners’ Utterances

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued strict directives to BJP National President JP Nadda and Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasizing the need for their star campaigners to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during election campaigns.

In separate letters addressed to Nadda and Kharge, the ECI expressed concerns that the narratives created by some star campaigners could have damaging effects beyond the MCC period. The Commission highlighted that technical loopholes or extreme interpretations of opponents’ statements do not exempt campaigners from their responsibility to maintain the integrity of their content.

The ECI highlighted that elections are not only about contesting to win but also about showcasing political parties in their best light for the electorate to build hope and emulate. This, the Commission stated, is a valuable heritage of Indian elections that should not be compromised.

The poll body rejected the defences offered by both parties regarding the alleged statements made by their star campaigners. About a month after issuing a notice to Nadda over opposition claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a divisive speech in Banswara, Rajasthan, the ECI reiterated that BJP campaigners must avoid speeches with religious or communal overtones.

Simultaneously, the ECI instructed Kharge to ensure that Congress campaigners refrain from making misleading statements about the potential abolition or sale of the Indian Constitution. The ECI also stressed adherence to its five-year-old advisory, which prohibits political propaganda involving Defence forces and divisive statements about the socio-economic composition of the Defence forces.

The ECI directed the presidents of both national parties to formally instruct their star campaigners to correct their discourse, exercise caution, and uphold decorum during their campaigns.