The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday distanced itself from claims that it had approved campaign material linked to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) proposed Rs 8,000 “model token” scheme, terming such assertions misleading.
The clarification came after social media posts and campaign-related content suggested that the poll body had cleared the token-based promise, citing a certification purportedly issued for digital outreach.
However, ECI officials said the certification in question was issued by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) strictly for electronic and digital content intended for broadcast, and not for printed materials such as pamphlets or handbills.
“The certification is limited to campaign-related telecast content. It cannot be construed as approval for any specific scheme or printed campaign material,” officials said.
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The Commission reiterated that it had not endorsed any “model token” campaign or related material of the ruling party, underlining that all political messaging must comply with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The clarification, the ECI said, was aimed at countering misinformation and ensuring voters are not misled by unauthorised or misinterpreted campaign claims during the ongoing election cycle.
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Notably, all 234 constituencies of Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single-phase election on April 23. The counting of votes has been scheduled on May 4.
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