Controversy WhatsApp

1. Recent WhatsApp message from ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’ triggers controversy.
2. Opposition parties accuse the government of misusing resources for political gains.
3. Kerala Congress raises objections over the automated message from verified business accounts.

New Delhi, March 17: The recent WhatsApp message from ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’ soliciting feedback and suggestions from citizens, accompanied by a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has stirred controversy, with opposition parties accusing the government of misusing official resources and the messaging platform for political ends.

The Kerala unit of Congress raised objections, highlighting the automated message from a verified business account named Viksit Bharat Sampark.

They alleged that while the message claimed to seek feedback from citizens, the attached PDF contained political propaganda rather than genuine feedback collection.

Calling it a misuse of government resources and WhatsApp for political purposes, Congress pointed to WhatsApp’s policy, which prohibits political parties, politicians, and political campaigns from using the platform for propaganda.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter, seeking suggestions for shaping the government’s “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) agenda, further fueled the controversy. Issued on the eve of the general elections announcement, the letter appealed for ideas and support in building a developed India.

The BJP’s development agenda, with the promise of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, forms a central theme of their electoral campaign.

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra criticized the BJP government for disseminating PM Modi’s letter at taxpayer expense, especially after the implementation of the model code of conduct following the election schedule announcement.

Moitra emphasized the timing of the message, questioning its legitimacy and urging the BJP to use their party account for campaign-related communications.

In a related development, BJP president J P Nadda previously launched ‘Viksit Bharat Modi ki guarantee’ video vans in February, aiming to gather public suggestions nationwide for the party’s election manifesto ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.