Why did PM Modi addressed nation without EC permission? Mayawati questions over Mission Shakti

In a couple of tweets, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said: "From past experiences, we know that BJP leaders are apt to flout the rules when the model code of conduct is in place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday once again flouted rules by not taking permission from the Election Commission to address the nation which is not going through any emergency....."

"The Election Commission's inquiry into the address is a good step but why did the Prime Minister addressed the nation without prior permission when there is no declared emergency in the country? The government powers have been misused to gain political points in the upcoming elections."

What did Narendra Modi announce?

In an address to the nation on a short notice, the Prime Minister said an anti-satellite missile (A-SAT) has shot down a live satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is 300km away from the earth's surface.

"Our scientists have destroyed a live satellite in the LEO (Low Earth Orbit), 300 km away in space. This live satellite, which was a predetermined target, has been destroyed by anti-satellite missiles (A-SAT)," Modi said.

The announcement came days after Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced NYAY, a Rs. 72,000-crore scheme, to benefit poor people.

EC examining announcement:

The EC on Wednesday said it is examining Modi's morning speech about the announcement of anti-satellite missile test, Mission Shakti.

The opposition parties have complained to the Election Commission of India (ECI) that the Prime Minister is trying to woo voters with such kind of announcements just two weeks ahead of the first phase of the election.

Mayawati herself had tweeted, "Congratulations to scientists for successfully conducting operation Mission Shakti. But the Prime Minister's politicisation of the mission to reap political benefits is condemnable. The Election Commission must take strict cognizance of it." 

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."