Party leaders have repeatedly appealed for votes on religious grounds during this campaign season. This violates the Model Code of Conduct.
By Abhik Deb
Prime Minister Narendra Modi came under intense criticism on Sunday for claiming at an election rally in Rajasthan that the Congress would distribute citizens’ property “to those who have more children and those who are infiltrators” if it came to power.
Many on social media appealed to the Election Commission to take action against Modi, contending that his remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct. Until this story was published on Monday evening, the commission had not reacted to the statements.
The developments have once again brought into focus on allegations that the Election Commission is biased in favour of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
This is not the first time the Election Commission has faced allegations that it has failed to punish BJP leaders for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
What does the Model Code of Conduct say?
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission for political parties and candidates to follow during poll campaigns. It sets guardrails for speeches, meetings, processions, election manifestos, polling and several other areas.
The general conduct section bars “any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension” between groups. It also mandates that parties and candidates must “refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life” of their opponents.
This story was originally published in scroll.in. Read the full story here.
