The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued notices to BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, instructing them to ensure their star campaigners correct their discourse and maintain decorum. The directive follows a decline in the quality of campaign rhetoric from both parties.
The ECI has expressed strong disapproval of the BJP and Congress campaigns, which have increasingly relied on caste, community, language, and religion-based rhetoric. The Commission has ordered star campaigners from both parties to avoid religious and communal overtones in their speeches.
Additionally, the Commission has directed the Congress to prevent its star campaigners from making misleading statements, such as suggesting that the Constitution of India might be abolished.
Specifically, the ECI has directed the BJP to cease any divisive campaign messaging.
The Election Commission has dismissed all allegations made by both the BJP and Congress, rejecting their respective defenses. The ECI highlighted that the ruling party bears an extra responsibility during election periods, while also noting that the opposition should not be granted unrestricted leeway.
The first five phases of the Lok Sabha elections were held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The remaining two rounds of voting are scheduled for May 25 and June 1. The 2024 elections are being conducted in seven phases over six weeks, concluding on June 1, with results to be announced on June 4.