Question

Joseph K is a member of the ruling party in his state. For the upcoming elections, his party has begun campaigning in full swing. Recently, they televised an advertisement declaring the new scheme they plan to roll out, which involves repairing potholes and constructing six new flyovers to reduce traffic congestion in the capital city.

Joseph thinks this advertisement will get the party in trouble. What could be the possible reasons for his apprehension?

• A. The party has not taken prior permission from the ECI for the advertisement.
• B. It is not within the ruling party's mandate to construct roads for the city.
• C. Declaring new schemes while campaigning is a violation of the MCC.
• D. The advertisement was very expensive, and by rolling it out, their total campaign expenditure has now gone up to 76 lakhs.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

The advertisement was very expensive, and by rolling it out, their total campaign expenditure has now gone up to 76 lakhs.

All political parties are expected to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) while campaigning for elections. As per the MCC, the ruling party has to take prior permission from the Election Commission of India (ECI) before televising a declaration, or putting out advertisements in print media. Also, new schemes and grants cannot be rolled out in the campaigning period. Finally, regardless of which state Joseph's party is ruling, their campaign expenditure cannot cross 70 lakhs according to the rules delcared in 2014.