PM Modi did not break poll code with televised speech, says Election Commission
New Delhi, Mar 29 (IBNS): The Election Commission has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not break the Model Code of Conduct in his televised address to the nation on Wednesday concerning India's successful testing of an anti-satellite missile.
Reports said the Election Commission took the decision based on a report by a panel of officers.
"The committee has reached the conclusion that the MCC provision regarding misuse of official mass media as contained in Para (IV) of Part VII of Model Code of Conduct, quoted above, is not attracted in the instant case," a statement by the Election Commission said.
The Election Commission on Wednesday had said it was examining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech about the announcement of anti-satellite missile test, Mission Shakti.
What the Opposition said
The Opposition parties had complained to the Election Commission of India that the Prime Minister was trying to woo voters with such announcements just two weeks ahead of the first phase of the election.
Since the announcement of the dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, the Model Code of Conduct is in effect.
The Model Code is a series of do's and don'ts for the present government and political parties.
The oppositions have said the announcement by PM Modi is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The parties have questioned whether the government had taken permission from the ECI ahead of the address by PM Modi.
Taking cognizance of the issue, the ECI in the evening tweeted: "The matter related to the address of the Prime Minister to the Nation on electronic media today afternoon has been brought to the notice of ECI.The Commission has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of Model Code of Conduct."
What Modi said in his address
Scaling up defence capability in the outer space, India on Wednesday achieved a rare capability by joining the big league of the US, China and Russia and successfully tested an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile.
"This was just only in three minutes, Congratulations to everyone on the success," the Prime Minister said in an address to the nation.
"India has demonstrated the rare anti-satellite missile capability," the Prime Minister said and added the Mission Shakti was aimed at strengthening India's security.
Modi said on Twitter that the Mission Shakti was special for two reasons - India has emerged as the fourth country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability.
"This venture is in no way violation of any pact or international law," he said.
"India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony," he later tweeted.
He said The Mission Shakti was a highly complex one, conducted at extremely high speed with remarkable precision.
"It shows the remarkable dexterity of India’s outstanding scientists and the success of our space programme".
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