ECI Directs Centre to Halt Delivery of 'Viksit Bharat' Messages on WhatsApp

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posted on 8 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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The ECI issued the directive after it received complaints that despite MCC being in force, people were receiving messages highlighting the union government's initiatives on their phone.

The Election Commission of India on Thursday directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to ensure that no further delivery of ‘Viksit Bharat’ message on WhatsApp takes place as the Model Code of Conduct is in force ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The ECI issued the directive after it received complaints that despite MCC being in force, people were receiving messages highlighting the union government’s initiatives on their phone.

In an earlier letter, the Ministry told the poll body that the WhatsApp messages were sent out on March 15, before the MCC came into force. “But due to system architecture and network limitations, it is possible that some letters have a delayed delivery,” the Ministry had said.

The ECI directed the Ministry that it has to ensure that no further delivery of WhatsApp messages takes place during the MCC period.

“The Commission has received complaints from various quarters that such messages are still being delivered on citizens’ phones. Since the MCC is now in force, you are, hereby, directed to ensure forthwith that no further delivery of WhatsApp messages takes place during MCC period. A compliance report in this regard may be sent immediately,” the poll body added.

On Monday, opposition parties raised the issue of people receiving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter on WhatsApp seeking support in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. The parties termed this as “blatant violation” of the MCC, which came into force soon after the elections were announced.

Several Congress leaders also raised the issue on social media platforms. In a post on X, Congress MP Manish Tewari shared the letter which he received on his phone. “This unsolicited WhatsApp message came at 12.09 AM today. It seems to be from @GoI_MeitY (Ministry of Electronics & IT). Is this not a blatant violation of the both Model Code of Conduct & Right to Privacy,” Tewari said, asking how the ministry got his mobile number.

The ECI announced the schedule of the Lok Sabha polls on March 16. The 2024 Lok Sabha polls will be held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1 while the counting of the votes will take place on June 4.