Election Commission Likely to Clear PM Modi of MCC Violation Allegations Arising from Pilibhit Rally

The EC's forthcoming announcement is expected to clarify its position on the matter, providing insight into its approach towards regulating campaign discourse in the lead-up to elections.

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In a recent development, the Election Commission (EC) is anticipated to exonerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi from allegations of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during an election rally in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. According to a report, the EC has concluded that PM Modi’s remarks on the ‘Ram Temple’ and Kartarpur Sahib do not constitute seeking votes in the name of religion.

The complaint against PM Modi, filed by Supreme Court Lawyer Anand S Jondale, alleged that his references to Hindu deities and places of worship, as well as Sikh deities and places of worship, amounted to MCC violations. However, the EC is reportedly set to dismiss this complaint, citing that PM Modi’s statements were within the bounds of permissible campaigning.

This decision comes amidst another complaint lodged against Prime Minister Modi for his comments made during a rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara, where he purportedly referred to Muslims as ‘infiltrators’. CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury had urged the Chief Election Commissioner for prompt action against PM Modi for allegedly branding opposition parties as “opponents of Ram Temple” during his election campaigns.

Despite the outcry, the EC is yet to announce its decision on these additional complaints. Anand Jondale had initially approached the EC on April 10 regarding the Pilibhit rally but received no response, leading him to seek intervention from the Delhi High Court.

The Election Commission’s decision, as reported by The Indian Express, hinges on the interpretation that PM Modi’s speech was focused on highlighting the achievements of his government rather than soliciting votes based on religious grounds. Additionally, the EC concluded that the mere mention of religion in a campaign speech does not warrant punitive action, as it could impede the freedom of candidates to campaign effectively.

During the Pilibhit rally on April 9, PM Modi had criticized the Congress and Samajwadi Party for their absence from the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya temple, framing it as an “insult to Lord Ram”. However, the EC’s decision underscores its stance on separating political rhetoric from MCC violations, aiming to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

The EC’s forthcoming announcement is expected to clarify its position on the matter, providing insight into its approach towards regulating campaign discourse in the lead-up to elections.

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