Don’t make appeal on basis of caste, religion, EC tells parties

Commission lists dos and don’ts in advisory; warns parties of stern action if model code is violated

The Election Commission of India in New Delhi on February 29, 2024. | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed political parties, especially star campaigners, to maintain decorum while campaigning and refrain from making appeals on the basis of caste or communal politics or make false statements, which can mislead voters.

In an advisory issued to all political parties on Friday, the EC cited previous examples of such indirect violations using known methodologies to avoid strictures under the model code of conduct (MCC), and conveyed that “stern action would be taken against direct or indirect MCC violations”.

The advisory comes days before the expected announcement of schedule for elections to the Lok Sabha and four State Assemblies. The MCC comes into effect with the announcement of the poll dates.

The ECI said in the advisory that political parties, candidates and star campaigners should not make any appeal on the basis of caste or communal feelings of the electors. No activity, which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes or communities, religious and linguistic groups, should be attempted.

“The political parties and leaders shall not make false statements and utterances without factual basis aimed at misleading the voters. Criticism of other parties or their workers on the basis of unverified allegations or on distortions shall be avoided,” the advisory further said.

‘No personal attacks’

It said that no aspect of the private life, not connected with the public activities, of the leaders or workers of other parties is to be criticised. Low-level personal attacks to insult the rivals shall not be made. “No temples/mosques/churches/gurudwaras or any places of worship are to be used for election propaganda or electioneering. References that ridicule the relations between devotee and deity or suggestions of divine censure shall not be made”.

It also warned the parties against giving advertisements masquerading as news items in the media. Parties should not post or share social media content that vilify and insult the rivals or that are in bad taste or that are below dignity.

The ECI warned that star campaigners and candidates who had received notices in the past will face stern action for repeat violation of model code.