The Election Commission of India on Friday, 29 March, ruled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission Shakti address was not a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The decision was taken by a committee of officers who found that “the MCC provision regarding misuse of official mass media” is not applicable in this case.
“It is clear that Doordarshan has only used the feed provided by ANI. The All India Radio has taken audio output as broadcast by Doordarshan News for dissemination over All India Radio network,” the statement from the EC read.
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Here’s how India’s A-SAT missile works:
- The US has said it has taken note of India’s anti-satellite missile test, but expressed concern over the issue of space debris
- PM Modi asserted that ‘Mission Shakti’ is not against any nation and does not violate any international treaties or laws
- Congress President Rahul Gandhi lauded the DRDO while wishing PM Modi ‘Happy World Theatre Day’
- Congress, while congratulating ISRO, DRDO and the government, credited former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi for the development of India’s Space Programme
- Opposition leaders Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee accused Modi of ‘publicity mongering’ over DRDO’s achievements
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PM Modi’s Mission Shakti Address Not a Violation of MCC, Says EC
The Election Commission of India on Friday, 29 March, ruled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission Shakti address was not a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The decision was taken by a committee of officers who found that “the MCC provision regarding misuse of official mass media” is not applicable in this case.
“It is clear that Doordarshan has only used the feed provided by ANI. The All India Radio has taken audio output as broadcast by Doordarshan News for dissemination over All India Radio network,” the statement from the EC read.
DRDO Could’ve Announced Mission Shakti: Ex-CEC SY Quraishi
Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi on 28 March told The Indian Express that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on Mission Shakti could have been made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Quraishi also said that in his experience, the PMO would ask the EC for permission before making important announcements.
Modi's Address Gross Misuse of Power & Machinery: Mayawati
BSP President Mayawati lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “gross misuse of power and machinery” in addressing the nation without prior permission of the Election Commission and hoped that the poll body will act in an exemplary manner.
She was referring to Modi's address to the nation on Wednesday announcing India's successful test of an anti-satellite missile that put the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.
“The EC has formed a committee to examine the content of PM's address yesterday but the real issue is why & how the PM addressed the country without its prior permission. It is the gross misuse of power & machinery for the electoral benefits. EC must act in an exemplary manner," the BSP leader tweeted.
EC Panel Likely to Give Report on PM’s Mission Shakti Speech Today
A committee of the Election Commission examining the matter related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on Wednesday "in light of the Model Code of Conduct" is expected to submit a report on Thursday, 28 March, sources cited by NDTV said.
The EC may also take a decision on the report on Thursday itself.