Election Commission gives a clean chit to Narendra Modi on A-SAT TV and radio speech 

New Delhi: The Election Commission, on Friday, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi television and radio address on the successful demonstration of the anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile capability did not violate the election model code of conduct, which is enforced since the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates. Many political parties complained to the poll panel saying Modi’s address to the nation during election season was akin to taking credit for the feat.

The poll panel set up a committee to examine into the matter and the final decision was taken based on its report, which found that the prime minister did not violate the provision of “party in power” in the poll code.

A statement was released by the EC saying: “The committee has reached the conclusion that the MCC provision regarding misuse of official mass media as contained in Para (IV) of Part VII of Model Code of Conduct, quoted above, is not attracted in the instant case. [Sic]”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech to the nation, announced the successful test-firing of India's anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile, “Mission Shakti”, and highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen national security. However, opposition made claims that PM Modi’s speech violated the election code and that this move is to influence voters in the middle of the campaign.

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