The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to formally advise their star campaigners to correct their rhetoric, exercise caution, and maintain decorum.
This directive marks an unprecedented move by the ECI in response to the declining quality of campaign discourse by the top campaigners of both parties. The EC has strongly criticized the BJP and Congress for campaigning based on caste, community, language, and religion.
The ECI has specifically directed star campaigners from both parties to avoid religious and communal themes in their campaigns. Additionally, it has instructed the BJP to cease making speeches that could lead to societal divisions.
For the Congress, the EC has mandated that star campaigners should not make statements suggesting that the Constitution of India could be abolished or sold. Furthermore, when discussing the Agniveer scheme, Congress campaigners or candidates are advised not to politicize the defense forces or make divisive comments about the socio-economic makeup of the military.
The Commission emphasized that India’s sociocultural fabric is a lasting legacy that should not be compromised during elections. The EC has also stated that both the BJP and Congress must preserve the quality of the electoral experience for Indian voters.
The Election Commission has dismissed all allegations by the BJP and Congress against each other and has rejected their defenses. It noted that the ruling party holds extra responsibility during elections and that there should not be unlimited leeway for the Opposition either.
The first five phases of polling took place on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The next two rounds of voting are scheduled for May 25 and June 1. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases over a six-week period from April 19 to June 1, with results to be announced on June 4.