The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued violation notices to the country’s two largest political parties, namely the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), for infringing norms set by the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). More details can be found at www.jurist.org.
As reported, these notices are a result of violations committed by the star campaigners from both parties, such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the BJP and senior INC leader, Rahul Gandhi. The ECI is responsible for issuing the MCC, a set of guidelines designed to regulate the behaviour of political parties and candidates leading up to the elections.
Expectations under the MCC are clear. Political parties are responsible for the conduct of their key players and should take primary responsibility for ensuring MCC compliance. The ECI received complaints from various political parties and civil society organisations claiming that star campaigners of both BJP and INC contravened the MCC by delivering provocative speeches. The notices issued reiterate the expectation that National Parties should set high standards of compliance with the model code of conduct as flag bearers of political and campaign discourse.
The ECI asked both parties to submit their comments on the allegations by 11:00 AM on April 29th, 2024, and directed them to instruct their star campaigners to comply with the MCC and uphold high standards of political discourse.
The MCC emphasizes the need for political parties and candidates to abstain from activities that instigate societal discord. Instead, they should opt for constructive criticism of opponents’ policies, avoid corrupt practices, respect individuals’ privacy and property rights, and maintain orderly conduct at their events, evading disruptions or clashes.
The ongoing parliamentary election process, determining the members of the country’s lower house, Lok Sabha, and thereby, the prime minister and central government, comprises seven phases starting from April 19th ending on June 1st.