Pune: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a stern advisory urging all political parties and star campaigners to conduct issue-based debates and maintain a sense of decorum during their election campaigns. Released on Friday, the advisory also explicitly stated that star campaigners should refrain from making false statements that could mislead voters, and appeals based on caste or communal issues.
The ECI’s warning comes with the threat of stern action against star campaigners and candidates who have previously received notices for violating the model code. The Election Commission has made it clear that any repeat violation will be met with consequences, ensuring that errant star campaigners will face repercussions in the upcoming general election.
According to senior election officials, this advisory is a significant step towards ensuring that MCC complaints disposed of in one election will now have a bearing on subsequent elections. This move is expected to put pressure on star campaigners, with all states required to check for previous MCC violations by these campaigners.
The advisory, strategically timed ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule, emphasizes the importance of maintaining decorum and refraining from activities that may aggravate existing differences or create tension among different castes, communities, religious, and linguistic groups. Separate teams have been formed in all states to monitor and address MCC violations.
“No activity that may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes or communities, religious and linguistic groups, should be attempted,” states the advisory. States have been instructed to circulate the advisory widely among political parties, and the ECI has emphasized monitoring videos and social content to ensure compliance.
In addition, the advisory warns against issuing advertisements masquerading as news items in the media, underscoring the need for transparency and accuracy in political communication.
