Karnataka Election 2023: Election Commission eyes on WhatsApp Groups

Bengaluru: Instead of attracting the attention of the commission by advertising page after page, the election officials are now keeping an eye on the candidate and political parties who are campaigning through WhatsApp through the left channel. Karnataka Election 2023: Election Commission eyes on WhatsApp Groups.

WhatsApp  is the easiest way to connect with thousands of people at the palm of your hand. Thus, the Election Commission has decided to crack down on political parties campaigning through WhatsApp.  A few days are left for the state assembly elections. The Election Commission has decided to take legal action against troll pages and WhatsApp group admins where candidates of various parties campaign on their behalf.

The Election Commission is keeping a special watch on these heavy social media users. Officials of the Election Commission have said that action will be taken directly against the admin in case of polling and influencing messages in favor of the candidate.

The Election Officer, BBMP Zonal Commissioner Ravindra, who has given information in this regard, should ban all social media including WhatsApp and ensure that there is no violation of the code of conduct, regardless of the social media. Action will be taken by the election authorities if the rules of the election code of conduct are violated. Public can also complain about this. He said that if there is any complaint, the concerned authorities will take action.

According to the Supreme Court order, political parties and political persons who advertise should obtain prior permission. The Election Commission has clearly stated that there should be no mention of personal abuse, caste, religion in the messages coming on the WhatsApp. People can complain if such messages come on social media including WhatsApp.

Instead of attracting the attention of the commission by advertising page after page, the election officials are now keeping an eye on the candidate and political parties who are campaigning through WhatsApp through the left channel.  Therefore, action will be taken against the group and its admin who post politically motivated messages. But the current question is how many groups will be sued by the admin. 

Also Read: Karnataka Assembly Elections: BJP candidate declares assets worth Rs 1,609 Crore