The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has approached the Election Commission of India, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct by using the state-run broadcaster Doordarshan to deliver what it described as a “partisan political speech” during the ongoing election period.
In a formal complaint, CPI(M) general secretary M. A. Baby said the Prime Minister’s televised address on April 18, 2026, was aired when the MCC was in force due to the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The party contended that the broadcast exceeded the scope of official communication and effectively amounted to political campaigning.
“This is to bring to your urgent attention a serious violation of the Model Code of Conduct… arising from the misuse of the public broadcaster, Doordarshan, to deliver a political speech,” Baby said in his letter to the Chief Election Commissioner.
He argued that “the content, tone, and messaging of the address can by no stretch of imagination be termed as governmental communication,” alleging it was “blatantly political” and aimed at targeting opposition parties while influencing voters in poll-bound states.
Citing provisions of the MCC governing the conduct of the party in power, the CPI(M) maintained that the use of public funds and official media for partisan publicity during elections is prohibited. Quoting the guidelines, the complaint noted that “misuse of official mass media during the election period for partisan coverage… with a view to furthering the prospects of the party in power shall be scrupulously avoided.”
The party further argued that deploying a state-run broadcaster for political messaging during elections creates “an uneven playing field” and undermines the principle of free and fair polls. It urged the Commission to “take cognizance of this violation and urgently initiate appropriate proceedings against the Prime Minister and concerned authorities.”
The complaint adds to a growing chorus of opposition criticism over the Prime Minister’s national address, with several parties alleging that it blurred the line between governance and political campaigning amid the election season.