Plaint on bulk ‘Viksit Bharat’ WhatsApp messages referred to EC

CHANDIGARH: The chief electoral officer of Chandigarh has referred to the Election Commission a digital complaint alleging that a central govt department violated the model code of conduct by sending out bulk WhatsApp messages labelled “Viksit Bharat Sampark” after the Lok Sabha elections were announced.

“One particular complaint (on mobile app C-Vigil) regarding the reception of bulk WhatsApp messages...Upon thorough examination in accordance with guidelines and the voluntary code of ethics on use of social media, the district media certification and monitoring committee found prima facie evidence of a violation,” says a statement issued by the office of chief electoral officer Vijay Namdeorao Zade.

“It appears a govt department used social media, specifically WhatsApp, to showcase governmental achievements post declaration of elections.” Chandigarh returning officer and DC Vinay Pratap Singh said “necessary action” based on EC guidelines would be taken.