From the GST Council meeting to talks between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina, June 22, 2024, is packed with important events. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the day’s key happenings, including the potential implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in Jammu and Kashmir and the ongoing situation in Balasore, Odisha.
The Election Commission (EC) has issued notices to the presidents of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (Congress) regarding alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by their star campaigners, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, respectively. The EC is currently examining the complaints and counter-complaints received from both parties.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleged communal speeches made during the Lok Sabha election campaign. The court held that it cannot micromanage the Election Commission of India (ECI) in its handling of alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The plea had cited specific speeches made by Modi in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, alleging that they incited communal tensions. However, the court found the plea to be “misconceived” and declined to intervene.
The Tamil Nadu government has completed the draft of its State Education Policy, which will be released after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is lifted. The MCC is lifted after the Lok Sabha election results are declared on June 4. The state government’s education policy will be finalized and released within three months of the draft’s release.
The Model Code of Conduct, framed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is crucial for maintaining the purity and fairness of elections. It prohibits inflammatory speeches, communal hatred, and corrupt practices. Despite violations by senior politicians, the ECI has the authority to take decisive actions, including suspending or withdrawing party recognition. The Supreme Court can direct the ECI to initiate criminal proceedings against those who violate the oath of office.
Former Union Minister and Tirupati Lok Sabha Congress candidate Chinta Mohan has accused the YSR Congress Party of distributing ₹5,000 to each voter in Palle Veedhi on Tuesday evening. He claims that the Model Code of Conduct is not being followed and questions the source of the funds, suggesting possible corruption or misuse of public funds.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered X, formerly Twitter, to take down an animated video posted by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Karnataka unit. The video features caricatures of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging that the party is diverting funds and resources away from SC/ST/OBC Hindus towards Muslims. The video had garnered over 90 lakh views as of May 7 and had not yet been removed.
The Indian government has lifted the ban on onion exports with certain conditions, including a 40% export duty and a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne. This decision was made after receiving approval from the Election Commission, despite the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct due to the Lok Sabha elections. The government aims to balance the interests of both consumers and farmers, with the MEP set at USD 550 per tonne and an effective minimum price of USD 770 per tonne after the export duty. The decision was based on recommendations from the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the government assures that the lifting of the ban will not lead to price increases in retail markets. India has consistently exported between 17 lakh and 25 lakh tonnes of onions annually, and the ban was imposed last December to control soaring retail prices. The decision to lift the ban reflects a proactive approach to agricultural planning and market readiness, showcasing the government’s support for the agricultural sector while ensuring market stability.
BJP candidate K Madhavi Latha from Hyderabad has declared assets worth Rs 218 crore in her nomination papers for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Latha, who is contesting from a constituency considered a stronghold of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, has declared movable assets worth Rs 165.46 crore and immovable assets worth Rs 55.92 crore. The BJP candidate’s family owes a total liability of Rs 27 crore. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 are set to be a high-voltage contest in Hyderabad, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) taking cognizance of alleged model code of conduct violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued notices to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Mallikaarjun Kharge, and Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi seeking responses by Monday morning for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The notices stem from complaints regarding campaign speeches made by the three leaders. The ECI has emphasized that star campaigners should maintain higher standards of compliance in their discourse. The opposition has criticized Modi’s comments about Muslim voters, while the ruling party has accused Gandhi of making derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister. The ECI’s notices do not explicitly mention specific sections of the MCC or Indian Penal Code (IPC) that have been violated, but they have requested responses from the relevant parties.
