A complaint has been lodged against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleged violations of the Code of Conduct, following the announcement of dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections by the Election Commission on March 16.
Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale filed the complaint with the Election Commission (EC) after PM Modi purportedly utilized an Indian Air Force helicopter to attend an election rally in AC 96-Chilakaluripet in Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh, on March 17.
EC regulations expressly forbid the use of state machinery for campaign purposes.
In a statement shared on X, Gokhale drew attention to the disqualification of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, citing similar grounds.
"If BJP paid for renting the IAF chopper, then EC should let us all know along with the grounds for why an IAF chopper was essential (CMs & other Z+ protectees use normal VVIP choppers, which have all required security features)," he remarked in his statement.
The EC, while announcing the elections, emphasized that any breaches of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) would be addressed with severity.
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
The MCC comprises a set of guidelines issued to regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates before elections. These rules encompass various aspects such as speeches, polling day activities, behavior at polling booths, allocation of portfolios, content of election manifestos, processions, and general conduct, aimed at ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections.
It also enforces a "total and absolute ban on the use of official vehicles for campaigning, electioneering, or election-related travel during elections."
The MCC explicitly prohibits the utilization of any vehicles, including helicopters, aircraft, cars, jeeps, boats, etc., belonging to the Central government, State government, local bodies, or public undertakings of the Central/State government for campaign purposes.
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