EC to examine whether PM Modi’s Mission Shakti speech violated Model Code of Conduct

The Election Commission on Wednesday said that it is studying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation about the anti-satellite missile test, Mission Shakti has violated polls code of conduct.

In a statement the Election Commission said: "The matter related to the address of the prime minister to the nation on electronic media today afternoon (March 27) has been brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India. The Commission has directed a committee of officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of model code of conduct."

The development came after opposition parties complaint against the speech, claiming the PM Modi was trying to gain political advantage two weeks before the national elections, and that it was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. A written complaint was submitted by the CPI(M) over the PM’s speech.

"This announcement comes in the midst of the ongoing election campaign where the PM himself is a candidate. This is clearly a violation of the Model Code of Conduct," the letter stated.

The Model Code of Conduct is a series of dos and don'ts for the caretaker government and political parties, which comes into effect as soon as the Election Commission announce the polling dates.

In his address, PM Modi said, "It is a matter of pride for all of us in India that Mission was accomplished using an indigenously developed ASAT missile."

"Outer space has today become a critical part of our day to day lives. It is no longer as far as it appears. A large number of Indian satellites are today orbiting around the earth helping our farmers, our fishermen, our students, our armed forces and our workers in different ways," PM Modi said.