ECI rebukes BJP, Congress over poll campaign speeches laced with religious, casteist rhetoric

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued firm directives to the chiefs of both BJP and Congress, instructing them to ensure that the star campaigners of the party adhere strictly to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during their election campaigns.

The ECI on May 22 sent letters to BJP President JP Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressing concern that the speeches made by the star campaigners can be damaging beyond the MCC period.

It asked them to issue formal notes to star campaigners to correct their discourse, exercise care and maintain decorum.

“India’s socio-cultural milieu is an enduring preserve cannot be made a casualty to elections. The big two parties not allowed to weaken the heritage of quality electoral experience of Indian vote," the EC said.

The ECI, in separate letters to Nadda and Kharge, expressed concern that the utterances of the concerned star campaigners follow patterns and create narratives which can be damaging beyond the MCC period.

“Commission’s unprecedented orders to BJP and INC have been issued in the wake of plummeting quality of campaigning led by their star campaigners,” EC said.

The commission, in the letter said that political parties must present their “ideal best for the voting community to experience, emulate, and build hopes on.”

The poll panel also said that the defense offered by both parties on the speeches by the star campaigners is not justified.

The notice sent to Nadda comes almost after a month of the opposition charge that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a divisive speech in Rajasthan's Banswara. The ECI directed the BJP president to convey to the star campaigners not to make speeches along religious or communal lines.

Meanwhile, the top election body also directed Kharge to ensure that campaigners do not make misleading statements suggesting that the Constitution of India could be abolished or sold. 

It also called for full compliance with its five-year-old advisory which requires party campaigners and candidates to not use activities of the Defense forces to create political agenda.