The 2026 assembly election cycle is bringing a new operating style from the Election Commission of India, including fewer notice issuances and a weaker presence of the model code of conduct. But the biggest flashpoint is the rollout of a new voter roll system, which has sparked legal challenges from multiple states.
The Election Commission says it will examine an opposition complaint that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address violated the model code of conduct. The speech was broadcast on Doordarshan, and critics allege it created an uneven playing field. The development comes while voting continues across several states, with the poll code in force until May 4.
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