WebDesk
21 March
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a significant directive, the Election Commission has instructed the Center to cease the dissemination of a large volume of WhatsApp messages under the banner of ‘Viksit Bharat Connect’. The initiative aims to highlight the government’s various priorities. Responding to complaints, the Commission has directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to take immediate action, citing the need to ensure a level playing field in elections.
As part of its oversight measures, the Commission has also requested a follow-up report from the ministry regarding the matter. The ministry informed the Commission that messages bearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter were dispatched before the Election Code took effect on March 16. It cited network-related delays as a potential reason for the continued distribution of such messages to the general public despite the announcement of the general elections in 2024 and the implementation of the election code.
The persistence of these messages has drawn criticism from political parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, prompting them to urge the Commission to intervene. In response, the Commission’s decisive action underscores its commitment to upholding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. As the nation gears up for the upcoming elections, the Commission’s efforts to curb undue influence and maintain impartiality remain paramount.