EC gives clean chit to PM Modi over Mission Shakti speech; says ‘he didn't violate poll code’

Election Commission says PM Modi's "Mission Shakti" speech didn't violate Model Code of Conduct (MCC); states, "Committee has reached to conclusion that MCC provision regarding misuse of official mass media as contained in Para (IV) of Part VII of MCC isn't attracted in the case" pic.twitter.com/fjDZRnvsMc

— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019

"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," a statement by the Election Commission said.

In his televised speech to the nation, PM Modi had announced the successful test-firing of India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile, Mission Shakti. PM Modi said, "It is a matter of pride for all of us in India that Mission was accomplished using an indigenously developed ASAT missile."

"Outer space has today become a critical part of our day to day lives. It is no longer as far as it appears. A large number of Indian satellites are today orbiting around the earth helping our farmers, our fishermen, our students, our armed forces and our workers in different ways," PM Modi said.

The Model Code of Conduct is a series of dos and don'ts for the caretaker government and political parties, which comes into effect as soon as the Election Commission announce the polling dates.