CPI(M) chief Sitaram Yechury claims 'Mission Shakti' announcement entailed a Model Code violation, shoots off complaint to EC

The CPI(M) has written to the Election Commission in light of the successful ‘Mission Shakti’ stating that it is a clear violation of the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has filed a complaint with the poll body alleging politicisation of the achievements of the scientists as the Lok Sabha elections are about barely two weeks away. 

In his letter, Yechury has claimed that the capability had already been announced by DRDO in 2012. He adds that such an announcement should be made by scientific authorities such as DRDO.

Yechury also tweeted the following: 

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the completion and success of ‘Mission Shakti’ following which India has now become just the fourth nation to join the elite space power club of anti-satellite capable countries comprising the US, Russia, and China. 

The Prime Minister also tweeted:

As defined by the Election Commission of India, the MCC for the guidance of all the political parties and candidates concerning the polling, election manifestos, portfolios, meetings and general conduct states that no party can announce any decisions and that the ruling party in power cannot use their seat of power for campaign purposes before the Lok Sabha elections.  

As part of ‘Mission Shakti’ a Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) A-SAT (anti-satellite) missile downed a live satellite occupying a Low-Earth Orbit at a 300 km altitude, taking just three minutes from launch to successful hit.