'Indirectly Canvassing Votes': TN Congress Committee Moves Madras HC Urging ECI To Take Action Against PM Modi's Meditation At Vivekananda Rock

PM Modi is holding a 45-hour-long Dyan (meditation) at the Vivekananda Rock starting on the evening of 30^th May 2024. As part of the PM's visit, security has been tightened at the site and entry of tourists has been restricted during these days.

The petition, moved by the Congress Committee says that while no one can object to the PM's visit to Vivekananda Rock, his visit during the silent period on the final polling day of the Seventh Phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is an attempt to "whip up Hindu sentiments" and for "canvassing votes" by misusing his official position.

It is submitted that the polling in the 7th phase is proposed to be held on June 1st, 2024. The cooling period has already started, and any canvassing has to be stopped from the evening of 30th May 2024 and no political party, including the Prime Minister, should be allowed to canvass or campaign in any form. It is alleged that PM Modi, through his meditation, was indirectly canvassing voters.

The TNCC alleges that broadcasting this meditation through the official media would amount to canvassing and violating the Code of Conduct which is an election offence under the Representation of Peoples Act. It is further submitted that if the Election Commission does not put an end to this program, it would put the opposition parties in a position of disadvantage as they cannot canvass during the cooling-off period.

The petition also states that since the public has been prevented from visiting the place during the 3 days, the fundamental rights of the tourists to move freely and the rights of the persons engaged in business to earn a livelihood will also be affected.

Thus, the petition calls for directions to the Election Commission of India to immediately take necessary steps to prevent the alleged misuse of official positions in the interest of free and fair elections during Phase VII. The plea also seeks an interim direction to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu to not prevent tourists and Hindu devotees from visiting the Vivekananda Rock memorial during the PM's visit or close the business premises in any manner.

As the High Court is on vacation and is expected to reopen on Monday, the Registry has not numbered the petition yet. The lawyers have also written to the Registrar General of the High Court seeking to move the plea as an urgent writ petition.