New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by allegedly using state run broadcaster Doordarshan for partisan political messaging.
In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby alleged that the Prime Minister’s national broadcast on April 18 was “blatantly political” and aimed at influencing voters ahead of assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
“The content, tone, and messaging of the address can by no stretch of imagination be termed as governmental communication,” the letter stated. It also accused the Prime Minister of targeting opposition parties and attempting to sway public opinion in favour of the ruling establishment.
The CPI(M) argued that using a public broadcaster during an election period amounts to a “flagrant breach” of the Code, which bars the misuse of official media for partisan coverage or promotion of government achievements.
The party said such actions create an uneven playing field and weaken free and fair elections. “Usage of a public broadcaster as a platform for political messaging during an election by the incumbent Prime Minister distorts the level playing field,” the complaint noted.
The CPI(M) urged the Election Commission to take immediate action and initiate proceedings against the Prime Minister and concerned authorities to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
There was no immediate response from the government or the Prime Minister’s Office to the allegations.
By Abdul Bari Masoud
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