Election Commission bans sending WhatsApp messages under ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’

New Delhi: Election Commission on Thursday directed the central government to immediately stop sending WhatsApp messages under ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’. In fact, a large number of people were sent WhatsApp messages under ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’ the other day. The aim is to make people aware of the government schemes. After receiving the complaint, the Election Commission issued directions to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in this regard.

The Election Commission said that this step has been taken to ensure a level playing field in the elections. This is part of the important steps being taken by the Commission. The commission has also sought a compliance report from the ministry on the matter.

Earlier, the ministry had informed the Commission that the messages issued along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter were sent before the model code of conduct came into force on March 16. Some messages may have been delayed for network reasons.

The commission had received several complaints that despite the announcement of the general elections 2024 and the implementation of the code of conduct, messages stating the government’s plans are still being sent to the phones of the general public. The Congress and the Trinamool Congress had opposed the resolution. They demanded action by the commission.

The Election Commission said that after the model code of conduct comes into force, no campaign material can be sent by the government to any political party or candidate. The Commission said it is its duty to ensure that all political parties and candidates are treated equally.

The Election Commission’s action has received mixed reactions from various political parties. The Congress and the Trinamool Congress have welcomed the commission’s action. The BJP, on the other hand, has said that the Commission has stopped “development” by stopping messages sent under “developed India contact.”