More than 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission of India alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his address to the nation on April 18.
The signatories claimed the speech, broadcast on official platforms such as Doordarshan, Sansad TV, and All India Radio, amounted to “electioneering and partisan propaganda” during the MCC period.
They argued that the use of government-funded media gave the ruling party an “undue advantage”, undermining the level playing field required for free and fair elections.
The MCC is currently in force in poll-bound states including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, with votes scheduled to be counted on May 4.
The complainants said ministers are barred under the code from combining official duties with political campaigning or using state machinery for partisan purposes.
The letter urged the poll panel to examine both the content and the manner of the Prime Minister’s address and initiate appropriate action.
Some signatories also demanded removal of the speech from official platforms if found in violation.
