PM Modi’s Meditation Retreat: Opposition Raises Concerns
ANI on X: “Tamil Nadu: Visuals from Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on 30th May for meditation till 1st June, at the same place where Swami
PM Modi's Three-Day Meditation Break
From May 30th to June 1st, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day meditation retreat at the Dhyan Mandapam in Tamil Nadu, a location with historical significance as the place where Swami Vivekananda once meditated. This retreat has stirred reactions from various political quarters, drawing both attention and criticism.
Echoes of 2019: Pre-Election Meditation
This isn’t the first time PM Modi has chosen to meditate before crucial electoral moments. In 2019, just before the national elections, he meditated at Kedarnath, signaling a consistent practice of seeking spiritual solace during pivotal times. His latest retreat at the Dhyan Mandapam is seen by many as a continuation of this tradition.
PM Modi’s post-poll meditation: From Kedarnath cave in 2019 to Kanniyakumari Rock Memorial in 2024
Source: The Hindu
Opposition Labels Meditation as an Election Stunt
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and the Congress Party have been vocal in their criticism of Modi’s meditation retreat. Both parties have labeled it as an election stunt designed to garner public sympathy and media attention just before the elections. The CPM in Tamil Nadu has gone so far as to urge the Election Commission to prohibit media coverage of the event, arguing that it could serve as propaganda that benefits the BJP.
Congress Petitions Election Commission
The Congress Party has taken their concerns a step further by submitting a petition to the Election Commission. They claim that PM Modi’s meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial violates the model code of conduct, specifically the restrictions during the silent period before voting. The Congress delegation has demanded that the event be either postponed until after polling hours on June 1st or that media coverage be completely blacked out until voting concludes.
Opposition's Demand for Media Blackout
The demands from the opposition are clear: they want the Election Commission to take action to prevent what they see as an unfair advantage for the BJP. By either rescheduling the meditation event or enforcing a media blackout, the opposition aims to ensure that the event does not influence the electorate during the critical silent period.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s meditation retreat has sparked significant controversy, with the opposition accusing him of using the event as an election tactic. As the Election Commission reviews the complaints, the outcome will be closely watched, especially as it relates to the broader implications for election conduct and media coverage during sensitive pre-election periods.
