On 21 March 2024, the Election Commission of India directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to immediately stop the delivery of Viksit Bharat messaging over WhatsApp. The Election Commission also sought a compliance report on the matter immediately.
The Election Commission said, “The Commission has received several complaints that such messages are still being delivered on citizens’ phones,” and further added, “Since the MCC is now in force, you are hereby directed to ensure forthwith that no further delivery of WhatsApp messages takes place during MCC period. A complaince report in this regard may be sent immediately,”
MeitY had earlier informed the Election Commission that although the letters were sent out before MCC came into force, some of them could’ve been possibly delivered to the recipients with a delay due to systematic and network limitations. The Congress and Trinamool Congress raised objections to the message and demanded the Election Commission to act against the “blatant violation” of the Model Code of Conduct.
The WhatsApp message by “Vikshit Bharat Sampark” with Prime Minister Modi’s letter has been received by millions of Indians. The opposition has called out Modi’s Viksit Bharat Sampark letter a violation of the model code of conduct. The WhatsApp messages have sought feedback and suggestions from citizens related to government policies and schemes. The PDF file attached mentions government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Matru Vandana Yojana, etc, and looks at suggestions from the citizens over government schemes and initiatives. The WhatsApp messages were also received by non-Indians from UAE, Pakistan, and Britain.
The Congress has called the PDF file attached with the message from PM “political propaganda.”
