When the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections came to a close, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on to a spiritual journey to Kanyakumari, where he will meditate at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial until June 1st. This has spurred opposition parties to raise questions post-revelation.
In connection with this, CPI (M) Tamil Nadu's Secretary K. Balakrishnan has written to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding a broadcast ban on news during the PM's meditation period in Kanyakumari.
Balakrishnan stated that while the PM's personal choice to meditate is acceptable, the media broadcasting it live would turn into a significant promotional asset for Modi and the BJP. He further stressed that the PM remaining in headlines until election day is a grave breach of the MCC.
We have complained that PM Modi has announced that he will sit in silence from the evening of May 30th to 7 PM on June 1st, which violates the Model Code of Conduct. These are the methods by which you are campaigning through media or broadcasting yourself.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasizes ban on broadcast: 'No permission should be granted for PM's meditation coverage'
We have put forward two very straightforward points before the Election Commission - either the Prime Minister starts his silent and spiritual fast after 24 to 48 hours on the evening of June 1st, or if he insists on initiating it from Thursday evening, a broadcast ban must be enforced. He himself is a candidate in this last phase. There are elections over 50 Lok Sabha seats, and no kind of broadcast should be permitted.
Additionally, he spoke about adverts being circulated through a BJP social media handle that are directly inciting sectarianism and disparagement between religions and communities. We have also presented one such advert to the Election Commission.
Why meditate now? DMK questions PM Modi's timing
DMK's Elangovan questioned the necessity of this meditation. He said, “The announcement could have been made after the elections, but he is doing this during the final phase because he wants people to think he is a devout believer. He aims to showcase that he is Hindu and a believer in God, so people cast their vote for him. This indirect method to influence people is against all the rules of the Election Commission.
In response, BJP officials explained that the Prime Minister's decision to choose Kanyakumari for his spiritual journey reflects his commitment to fulfilling Vivekananda's vision for the nation. They mentioned that the rock where the Prime Minister will meditate had a significant impact on Vivekananda's life. After travelling across the nation, Vivekananda reached this location, meditated for three days, and envisioned a developed India.
Stringent security measures in place for PM's retreat
Extensive security arrangements have been made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 45-hour stay at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. From Thursday to Saturday, the seaside will be closed to tourists for security reasons, and private boats will also be prohibited from operating. 2,000 policemen have been deployed in this southernmost district to maintain a vigilant presence, coordinating with various security agencies throughout the Prime Minister's program.
