TN Congress alleges MCC violation in PM Modi's Kanyakumari meditation broadcast, files petition

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) has taken legal action by approaching the Madras High Court, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's highly publicized meditation at the Vivekananda Rock in Kanyakumari district is a veiled attempt to sway votes in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The petition, filed by lawyer and TNCC member AP Suryaprakasam along with six other lawyers who hold TNCC office, requests the Election Commission of India (ECI) to prevent PM Modi from exploiting his official position. 

According to the plea, Modi's three-day meditation, which commenced on May 30 and is being extensively televised and broadcasted, could disadvantage opposition parties and violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Also Read: PM Modi's Meditation at Vivekananda Rock: A Spiritual Sojourn or Political Maneuver?

The plea emphasizes that the seventh-phase polling is scheduled for June 1, 2024. 

As the cooling-off period has already begun, no political party, including the Prime Minister, should engage in canvassing or campaigning after the evening of May 30, 2024. 

The petition urges the Election Commission to promptly take necessary measures to prevent any alleged misuse of official positions, ensuring free and fair elections during Phase VII.

Additionally, the plea seeks an interim directive to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in Tamil Nadu, urging them not to hinder tourists and Hindu devotees from visiting the Vivekananda Rock memorial during the Prime Minister's visit.