The Commission’s advice has now formally set the stage for ethical political discourse.
New Delhi:
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission on Friday asked parties and their leaders to refrain from seeking votes on the basis of caste, religion and language and not to insult the devotee-deity relationship or make any suggestion of divine condemnation.
Warning parties, candidates and star campaigners of strict action for any violation of the model code of conduct instead of the previous practice of merely ‘moral censure’, the election panel also said that temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras or any other The place of worship should not be used for election campaigning or campaigning.
It said star campaigners and candidates who have received notices earlier will face strict action for repeated violations of the model code of conduct.
The advisory comes days before the model code is expected to come into force with the announcement of Lok Sabha and assembly elections for four states later this month, with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar recently emphasizing that political parties should Must promote ethical and respectful political discourse that inspires division rather than personal attacks.
The commission’s advisory has now formally set the stage for ethical political discourse and cut down on chaos in the 2024 general elections, an official said, adding that the systematic approach to MCC violations has laid the ground for a civilized campaign. .
The Election Commission warned parties to maintain decorum in public campaigning and put additional responsibility on star campaigners and candidates, especially those who were issued notices in the past.
It asked parties to raise the level of election campaigning to issue-based debates and said parties and their leaders should not make statements without factual basis or mislead voters.
The advisory also covers social media activities, saying posts that defame or insult rivals, are in bad taste or are below dignity should not be posted or shared.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
