ECI directs MeitY to stop WhatsApp deliveries of ‘Viksit Bharat’ messages
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to immediately halt the delivery of ‘Viksit Bharat’ promotional messages on WhatsApp.
The poll body received complaints of such communications highlighting government initiatives reaching citizens after the announcement of General Elections 2024 and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
In its response, MeitY apprised ECI that while the messages were sent out before MCC came into effect, some deliveries to recipients witnessed delays due to technical and network limitations. However, citing the need to ensure a level playing field, the Commission has directed the ministry to stop the deliveries with prompt compliance report submission.
‘Viksit Bharat’ is a central government scheme launched to showcase development works. But the continuation of such politically-colored messaging during elections raised unfair practice complaints. Reacting decisively, ECI has ordered immediate halting of its WhatsApp dissemination, leaving no room for potential MCC violation misuse.
The latest directive exemplifies the poll body’s relentless efforts to conduct the free and fair democratic exercise with no undue influence over voter decision-making through state-sponsored communicative exercises after polls are notified.
