EC targets parties for campaign violations | Fusion - WeRIndia

The Election Commission of India (EC) has recently adopted a groundbreaking approach towards enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

It started issuing notices not just to individual campaigners but also to their respective political parties.

This marks a significant shift from previous practices, where only individuals were held accountable for violations.

Traditionally, the EC dealt with MCC breaches by sending advisories to political parties or notices directly to the individuals involved. 

However, in a notable change, the Commission has now targeted both the BJP and Congress following alleged violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. 

This development underscores the EC’s intent to reinforce accountability by linking the actions of star campaigners directly to their parties.

According to a former Election Commissioner, this strategy introduces complexities. 

He expressed concerns about the implications of holding a party responsible for an individual’s statements, questioning the subsequent steps if a party’s response to a notice is deemed unsatisfactory. 

The move raises questions about the potential actions against both leaders and their parties.

This policy change is particularly striking against the backdrop of past instances where high-profile leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah received direct notices from the EC. 

It is important to note that, until now, no sitting Prime Minister has been issued a notice for MCC violations.

An EC official explained that these recent notices are part of a calibrated approach announced by the Chief Election Commissioner.

This approach aims to intensify actions against repeat offenders, linking their legal responsibilities to the political parties they represent. 

The official emphasized that political parties commit to upholding the ideals of the Constitution at the time of their registration with the EC, and this principle was a reminder issued through the notices.

The EC’s refined strategy not only raises the stakes for compliance with the MCC but also heralds a new era of accountability in Indian politics. 

By holding parties accountable for the conduct of their campaigners, the EC is setting a precedent that could potentially transform the landscape of political campaigning in India.

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