'Send from BJP account': WhatsApp message from 'Viksit Bharat Sampark' sparks row

A WhatsApp message from the account 'Viksit Bharat Sampark' requesting feedback and suggestions from citizens, along with a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sparked a political controversy. Opposition leaders have alleged the misuse of government databases and the messaging app for political propaganda.

In the letter issued on the eve of the general elections announcement, sought suggestions from the public for shaping the Union government’s “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) agenda. The government’s development agenda and the promise of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is a key poll plank of the BJP. 

hit out at the BJP-led government for plugging PM Modi's letter at the expense of taxpayers after the model code of conduct came into force following the announcement of election schedule on Saturday.

“In the guise of feedback, the letter is nothing but claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making about his Govt as part of his campaign for the upcoming General Elections, misusing govt database,” it alleged, calling it “blatant misuse of WhatsApp for political propaganda,” said Kerela Congress' X post. 

As per the recently introduced MCC (Moral Code of Conduct) guidelines, the parties involved in the election process are prohibited to misuse any official mass media for partisan coverage of political news and publicise achievements favouring the ruling party, post election dates declaration.