Opposition parties, including TMC and Congress, stated on Wednesday that PM Narendra Modi’s plan to meditate in Kanyakumari during the 48-hour silence period from May 30 to June 1 would breach the model code of conduct if televised. TMC leader Mamata Banerjee mentioned that the party would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission if PM Modi’s meditation is broadcasted by the channels.
The Congress also called on the election commission to guarantee that PM Modi refrains from utilizing his “meditation” for political motives during the “silent period.”
According to reports, the PM is scheduled to visit the Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and engage in meditation at the Dhyan Mandapam from the evening of May 30 to the evening of June 1, at the very location where Swami Vivekananda had meditated.
Mamata’s Reaction
Questioning the timing of the meditation just before the last phase of polling on June 1, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee inquired, “Does anyone have to get cameras for doing meditation?”
“We will complain. He can meditate, but televisions cannot show it,” alleging that this will amount to “violation of the MCC.”
Response from Congress
A Congress delegation headed by Naseer Hussain, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Randeep Singh Surjewala appealed to the EC to ensure that PM Modi’s meditation is not published, broadcasted, or televised during the silent period of the campaign, as it would violate the model code of conduct.
“The PM will start his meditation from the evening of May 30 and we have complained about that. We all know that the silence period will begin from May 30 and thus his declaration is a violation of the MCC”, Singhvi told mediapersons.
“The PM can start his meditation after 24-48 hours, which is from the evening of June 1. Otherwise, if he wants to meditate from May 30, then the ECI should ensure that this is not broadcast by the TV or print media,” he added.
indirect campaigning through the media
Urging EC to not grant permission to PM Modi to meditate during the silence period, TNCC President Selvaperunthagai said, “It is clear Mr Modi wants to do an indirect campaigning through the media, during the silent period ahead of 48 hours of polling (for the last phase of Lok Sabha elections on June 1).
“A letter is to be submitted to the EC in this connection tomorrow (Wednesday). If required, (we) will also apparoach the court,” he said in a post on X.