"Stop Campaign Speeches That May Divide Society": Poll Body Directs BJP

The Election Commission, criticised over what many called its kid-glove treatment of the BJP and its leaders, today read the riot act to the ruling party as well as the Opposition for campaigning along the lines of "caste, community, language, and religion". The party in power at the election time has extra responsibility, no unlimited extra space should go to the Opposition either, the Commission said ahead of the last two phases of election.   

"Political parties will have to take primary responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, star campaigners in particular. Campaign speeches by those holding high positions are of more serious consequences," the Commission said.

The BJP -- as the ruling party at the Centre -- has been asked to stop campaign speeches that may divide society.

The Commission said it expects the BJP to "fully align campaign methods to the practical aspects of the composite and sensitive fabric of India".

The star campaigners of the party have to adhere to the Model Code direction that "no party or candidate shall include in any activity which may aggravate existing difference or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic," the Commission said.

"India's socio-cultural milieu is an enduring preserve that cannot be made a casualty to elections," the Commission said. The two big parties are not allowed to weaken the heritage of quality electoral experience of Indian voter, the poll body said.  

The poll body's statement came amid massive criticism of its handling of Model Code violation allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress's Rahul Gandhi. After each party filed petitions against the other's leader, the Commission sent notices to the respective party chiefs.

The critics have also questioned the Commission's silence about Model Code Violation complaints and its findings. The poll body has also been criticised for discontinuing the traditional practice of holding press briefings after every phase of election.