The opposition has raised concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meditation session at the Kedarnath shrine, alleging that it is a poll ploy and violates the model code of conduct if it is televised. The Prime Minister’s visit to the shrine in the Himalayas comes just a day before the final phase of voting in the Indian general elections.
The opposition parties argue that the televised meditation session could give an unfair advantage to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the election period. They claim that such events should not be broadcasted on national television as it could be seen as a way to influence voters and sway public opinion in favor of the ruling party.
The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair elections. It prohibits the use of government resources for campaigning and bars political parties from using public spaces for their political activities. The opposition argues that the Prime Minister’s meditation session, if televised, would violate these guidelines.
This is not the first time that the opposition has accused the BJP of using religious events for political gain. Earlier in the election campaign, the BJP faced criticism for its decision to launch its manifesto in the holy city of Varanasi, which is also Prime Minister Modi’s constituency. The opposition claimed that the BJP was trying to appeal to the religious sentiments of the voters by choosing a sacred location for the manifesto launch.
The controversy surrounding the Prime Minister’s meditation session highlights the sensitive nature of religion and politics in India. The country is known for its diverse religious and cultural heritage, and politicians often seek to connect with voters through religious symbolism and rituals.
The BJP has defended the Prime Minister’s visit to the Kedarnath shrine, stating that it is a personal spiritual journey for him. They have also denied any violation of the model code of conduct, arguing that the Prime Minister’s visit is not a political event but a private one.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Election Commission will take any action against the televised meditation session at the Kedarnath shrine. With the final phase of voting just around the corner, the issue has once again brought attention to the intersection of religion and politics in India.
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Tags: PM Modi, Kedarnath, Elections 2019, Model Code of Conduct
