Where's Model Code of Conduct?

As the race to Lok Sabha 2019 revs up, all political parties have amped up their campaigns. Every General Election has witnessed grand announcements and promises made by competing political candidates. The Indian election is a huge affair; and over the years, it has been the unrelenting work of the Election Commission of India that has made it possible for a nation as populated and diverse as ours to conduct free and fair polls. This time, however, there are some stark anomalies that seem to be dogging the elections.

The Election Commission brings in the Model Code of Conduct all parties and candidates must strictly adhere to. This time, however, we see the ruling party flouting its norms with alacrity. Take for instance the announcement surrounding Mission Shakti by the Prime Minister. The fact that India now has the capability (we had the prowess since 2012) to conduct anti-satellite tests. The PM first tweeted that there would be a major announcement, after which he addressed the nation and apprised the citizens that India had shot down a satellite in space. We should be proud of such an empowerment of India's defence and space accomplishments but the timing of the announcement, as expressed by many, seemed to be in clear violation of the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct.

Even though the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on March 10, we also now hear that the railways are serving tea in cups bearing PM Modi's campaign cry, 'Main Bhi Chowkidar'! Is that also not yet another violation of the code? The interestingly-timed biopic based on Modi's life from 'chaiwallah to PM' is also slated to hit the silver screen on April 5. The film titled 'PM Narendra Modi' and starring Vivek Oberoi will release at a theatre near you just before the first phase of the seven-poll Lok Sabha elections starting on April 11.

In the last four and a half years, we have witnessed the systematic degradation and loss of face of several historic Indian institutions. Reserve Bank of India, Central Bureau of Investigation, Central Information Commission, Central Vigilance Commission, and the Supreme Court (to some extent) have had their actions questioned. Now we have the Election Commission of India under the scanner. Internationally, the Election Commission has won laurels and praise for the extensive work that it undertakes every five years in India. So much so, that the Election Commission has helped other nations to conduct polls. But this year, it is the toughest fight yet for the institution as it will have to prove its impartiality and non-partisan nature.

Parties and candidates will over-reach; they will slyly and cunningly want to reach out to the masses with messages that will not adhere to the Model Code of Conduct. Will the Election Commission look the other way? Or will it waste crucial time before cracking down on such violations? Various committees that are looking into the violations of the Model Code of Conduct take up time after the damage is already done. The Lok Sabha polls this time is likely to be the most bitterly fought one in the recent history of the Indian democracy. The onus is now on the Election Commission to uphold its own diktats and ensure that the common man does not lose faith in the democratic process.

(The writer is a journalist and media entrepreneur. The views expressed are strictly personal)