Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned meditation at the Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari has sparked controversy, with the Congress party raising strong objections and appealing to the Election Commission to prevent it.
Congress Claims Code of Conduct Violation
Senior advocate and Congress representative Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated that the party has urged the Election Commission to prohibit any direct or indirect campaigning during the 48-hour silent period before the elections. “We have no objection to any leader observing a vow of silence or other personal activities. However, no indirect campaigning should occur during this period. Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of a vow of silence from the evening of May 30 to June 1 violates the model code of conduct,” Singhvi argued. He described the meditation plan as a tactic to continue campaigning or keep the PM in the headlines.
Congress Demands Change in Meditation Schedule
Singhvi further informed the media that the Congress has requested the Election Commission to ask PM Modi to start his vow of silence 24 or 48 hours after the election period ends on June 1. If he insists on beginning it on May 30, the Congress demands that it should not be broadcasted in print or audio-visual media.