Posers on the code: on EC clearing PM Modi’s speeches (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 1: Polity
Prelims level: Election Commission
Mains level: Role of Election Commission

Context

• In an election that lasts seven weeks, it is not only the task of conducting the polls that is humongous; policing the conduct of political parties and candidates can be equally demanding.
• The Opposition has been complaining frequently about what it believes is the Election Commission’s leniency towards the ruling BJP, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Major complaints dismissed by EC

• While complaints against other leaders were promptly dealt with, there was an obvious delay in taking up those against Mr. Modi. Few would have failed to notice that he has been running an abrasive campaign.
• It was only after the matter reached the Supreme Court that the three-member EC began to dispose of the complaints.
• It has found nothing wrong in most of the remarks about which complaints were made for possible violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
• What is disconcerting is the EC’s finding that none of his remarks touching on the role of the armed forces under his rule violates the directive against the use of the armed forces for political propaganda.
• That some of these decisions were not unanimous, but marked by dissent from one of the Election Commissioners, points to the seriousness of the credibility crisis the institution is facing.
• The technicality the EC used to absolve Mr. Modi was that he did not directly appeal for votes in the name of the armed forces.

Reactions of the ECs

• So far the EC has rejected six complaints.
• The prohibition against the use of the armed forces in election propaganda is to underscore their apolitical nature and to deny ruling parties the opportunity to project their performance as their own achievements.
• Yet, the EC has decided that none of the references to air strikes, the nuclear option and dealing with Pakistan attracted the bar under the MCC.
• It is difficult not to speculate that had the same remarks been made by other candidates, they may have attracted a ban on campaigning for a period.

Conclusion

• The EC has so far retained its well-founded reputation, although there have been occasional complaints in the past that questioned its impartiality.
• It is unfortunate that this reputation for independence and even-handedness is starkly under question in this election.

Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Consider the following statements in regard to Community Reserves:

1. They can be set up only in private or community lands.
2. They are declared by the National Board for Wildlife after consultation with the state governments.
3. Agricultural activities are strictly prohibited in the Community Reserves.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Mains Questions:
Q.1) In clearing PM Modi’s speeches, the EC risks its reputation for even-handedness. Comment.