Modi's "Mission Shakti" address didn't violate code of conduct: EC
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on Wednesday regarding the successful test of India's anti-satellite weapon didn't violate the Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission said on Friday night. The polling body arrived at the decision based on a report formed by a committee of officers. Opposition parties had alleged PM Modi violated the code. Here's more.
Backstory: PM Modi informed about India's new stride
The successful ASAT missile test was given the name "Mission Shakti". India shot one of its own live satellites, flying in low earth orbit, making it the fourth country to use such a weapon. Such a missile comes handy during a war as it can cripple enemy communications and blind their military. Mission Shakti highlighted the government's commitment towards national security, PM Modi had said.
Yechury wrote to EC asking them to look into matter
The Opposition leaders were, however, upset with PM Modi's speech. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury wrote to EC to flag the alleged violation. He said such an announcement should have been made by DRDO, the body which scripted history. "This announcement comes in the midst of the ongoing election campaign where the Prime Minister himself is a candidate," Yechury pointed out.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi used sarcasm to attack PM Modi
Mamata Banerjee dubbed PM Modi's address as "limitless drama"
Trinamool Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee agreed with other leaders. She tweeted, "Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by PM Modi, desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of an election."
EC's committee launched probe after receiving complaints
The EC's committee was headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena. The committee didn't look into whether DRDO should have made the announcement. It merely focused on MCC's Para (IV) of Part VII titled "party in power" which states "partisan coverage of political news and publicity regarding achievements with a view to furthering the prospects of the party in power shall be scrupulously avoided".
ANI gave feed to Doordarshan and AIR, concluded EC
The committee found that since state machinery like Doordarshan and AIR weren't used for the speech, PM Modi didn't violate MCC. Doordarshan and AIR officials said they got the feed from news agency ANI. "Committee has reached to a conclusion that MCC provision regarding misuse of official mass media as contained in Para (IV) of Part VII of MCC isn't attracted in case," EC's statement read.
