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The Hindu Editorial • April 22, 2026 • Read Original

Invidious speech: on the PM’s speech and the Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India’s inaction on the Prime Minister’s violations of model code is troubling

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The Hindu Read Original
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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on April 22, 2026

Invidious speech: on the PM’s speech and the Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India’s inaction on the Prime Minister’s violations of model code is troubling

Prime MinisterElection Commission of IndiaModel Code of ConductElectoral Fairness
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 13
English Original

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on April 18 differed from a speech he made at a similar election-eve juncture in 2019, it was nonetheless problematic.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + C Dependent Clause + Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on April 18 differed from a speech he made at a similar election-eve juncture in 2019
Even though the PM’s talk this year was not the same as his 2019 talk right before the election
Subject Who/What
it
The Prime Minister’s address on April 18
Verb What is happening
was
Existed in a certain state (linking verb)
Complement Completes meaning
nonetheless problematic
Still causing worry or controversy despite the differences
Sentence 2 of 13
English Original

In 2019, following a successful anti-satellite missile test, private news channels aired a speech by Mr. Modi extolling the mission and his government’s commitment to the country’s technological prowess even as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in force ahead of the general election.

Simple Past Adjunct + Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In 2019
During the year 2019
Adjunct Additional info
following a successful anti-satellite missile test
After India successfully tested a missile that can destroy satellites in space
Subject Who/What
private news channels
News companies that are not owned by the government
Verb What is happening
aired
Broadcast or showed the speech on television
Object What receives action
a speech by Mr. Modi extolling the mission and his government’s commitment to the country’s technological prowess
A talk where Mr. Modi praised the missile test and said his government is working hard to make India advanced in technology
Adjunct Additional info
even as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in force ahead of the general election
At a time when election rules were already active to ensure fairness before the national voting
Context and Background
Mission Shakti and MCC

Mission Shakti was an anti-satellite missile test conducted on March 27, 2019. The ECI cleared the PM’s address because it was broadcast by private channels and public broadcasters used a feed from a private news agency, thus technically avoiding the use of official state machinery for partisan gains.

Sentence 3 of 13
English Original

Late last week, Mr. Modi’s transgression was greater as Doordarshan and Sansad TV broadcast his speech even as he accused the Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party of committing the “sin of foeticide” after they blocked the combined women’s reservation and delimitation Bills, and suggested that women voters would punish them electorally in the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections on April 23.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + C + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause + multiple Subordinate Clauses Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Late last week
During the last part of the previous week
Subject Who/What
Mr. Modi’s transgression
The act of breaking the rules by Mr. Modi
Verb What is happening
was
Was (state of being)
Complement Completes meaning
greater
More serious compared to previous times
Adjunct Additional info
as Doordarshan and Sansad TV broadcast his speech even as he accused the Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party of committing the “sin of foeticide” after they blocked the combined women’s reservation and delimitation Bills
Because government TV channels showed his talk where he blamed opposition parties for stopping women’s seat rules and called it a big sin
Adjunct Additional info
and suggested that women voters would punish them electorally in the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections on April 23
And he hinted that women would not vote for these parties in the upcoming state elections as a punishment
Context and Background
The

The term ‘sin of foeticide’ (bhrun hatya) was used by the PM to heighten emotional appeal, suggesting that blocking women’s reservation was equivalent to killing the future of women’s representation. This phrasing is critiqued for being overly aggressive during an active election period.

Sentence 4 of 13
English Original

Thus far, the Opposition in Parliament as well as numerous academics and activists have written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) urging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should sanction Mr. Modi for violating the MCC.

Present Perfect Adjunct + S + V + IO + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Thus far
Up to this point in time
Subject Who/What
the Opposition in Parliament as well as numerous academics and activists
The political parties against the government, along with many teachers/experts and social workers
Verb What is happening
have written
Sent a formal letter
Indirect Object To/For whom
to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
To the head of the Election Commission of India
Adjunct Additional info
urging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should sanction Mr. Modi for violating the MCC
Asking strongly that the ECI should punish the PM for breaking election rules
Sentence 5 of 13
English Original

In a familiar but also increasingly dispiriting turn, the ECI has yet to respond.

Present Perfect Adjunct + S + V Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In a familiar but also increasingly dispiriting turn
In a situation that we have seen before but that makes us feel even more discouraged now
Subject Who/What
the ECI
The Election Commission of India
Verb What is happening
has yet to respond
Has not replied or taken action yet
Sentence 6 of 13
English Original

It is expected to act reasonably quickly, as it has against Opposition parties.

Present Continuous Passive S + V + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
It
The Election Commission of India
Verb What is happening
is expected
People think it should happen
Adjunct Additional info
to act reasonably quickly
To take action in a short and fair amount of time
Adjunct Additional info
as it has against Opposition parties
Just like how it took fast action against parties that are not in the government
Sentence 7 of 13
English Original

Since the facts are not in dispute in this instance and the ECI’s reluctance to sanction the Prime Minister has become well-known, it is hard to believe that the delay is benign.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Since the facts are not in dispute in this instance and the ECI’s reluctance to sanction the Prime Minister has become well-known
Because the truth about what happened is clear to everyone, and everyone knows that the ECI is unwilling to punish the PM
Subject Who/What
it
The current situation or the thought that follows
Verb What is happening
is
Is (linking verb)
Complement Completes meaning
hard to believe that the delay is benign
Difficult to think that this waiting time is just a mistake and not done on purpose
Sentence 8 of 13
English Original

The constitutional body allowed the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme to continue broadcasting during the State polls in 2015 and 2017 and permitted NaMo TV to air in 2019 after prior approval of its contents.

Simple Past S + V + O + V + O Main Clause with Compound Predicate Compound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The constitutional body
The organization created by the Constitution, which is the Election Commission here
Verb What is happening
allowed
Gave permission
Object What receives action
the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme to continue broadcasting during the State polls in 2015 and 2017
The PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio show happened even when state elections were going on
Verb What is happening
permitted
Allowed something to happen
Object What receives action
NaMo TV to air in 2019 after prior approval of its contents
Allowed a special TV channel called NaMo TV to show programs after checking them first
Context and Background
Mann Ki Baat and NaMo TV

The ECI has historically allowed ‘Mann Ki Baat’ during elections provided it doesn’t mention political parties or votes. NaMo TV sparked controversy in 2019 as a 24x7 channel dedicated to the PM, which the ECI permitted under pre-certification rules for political advertisements.

Sentence 9 of 13
English Original

In 2024, the ECI issued a notice regarding a controversial speech by Mr. Modi in Rajasthan, but addressed it to the BJP president rather than to him.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + O + V + O + IO + Adjunct Main Clause with Compound Predicate Compound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In 2024
During the year 2024
Subject Who/What
the ECI
The Election Commission of India
Verb What is happening
issued
Sent out officially
Object What receives action
a notice regarding a controversial speech by Mr. Modi in Rajasthan
A formal warning letter about a speech in Rajasthan that many people disagreed with
Verb What is happening
addressed
Directed the letter to someone
Object What receives action
it
The notice
Indirect Object To/For whom
to the BJP president
To the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party
Adjunct Additional info
rather than to him
Instead of sending it directly to Mr. Modi
Context and Background
2024 Rajasthan Speech Notice

In April 2024, the ECI issued a notice for the PM’s speech in Banswara but sent it to BJP President J.P. Nadda. This was significant because usually, notices for individual violations are sent directly to the candidates themselves.

Sentence 10 of 13
English Original

In its latest notice to Mr. Nadda, the ECI has asked for a reply by 11 a.m. on April 22.

Present Perfect Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In its latest notice to Mr. Nadda
In the most recent warning letter sent to the BJP President
Subject Who/What
the ECI
The Election Commission of India
Verb What is happening
has asked
Has requested or demanded
Object What receives action
for a reply
An answer or explanation
Adjunct Additional info
by 11 a.m. on April 22
Before the specific deadline of 11 in the morning on April 22
Sentence 11 of 13
English Original

Given that voting in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is on April 23, the deadline for a reply is itself after the polling would have begun.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + C Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Given that voting in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is on April 23
Considering that people will vote in these two states on April 23
Subject Who/What
the deadline for a reply
The last time/date to give an answer
Verb What is happening
is
Is (linking verb)
Complement Completes meaning
itself after the polling would have begun
Happens even after people have already started voting
Sentence 12 of 13
English Original

This partisanship underscores the ECI’s lack of interest in upholding electoral fairness and institutional independence.

Simple Present S + V + O Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
This partisanship
This behavior of taking sides or being biased
Verb What is happening
underscores
Shows clearly or emphasizes
Object What receives action
the ECI’s lack of interest in upholding electoral fairness and institutional independence
That the ECI does not care about keeping elections fair or keeping itself free from outside control
Sentence 13 of 13
English Original

Such an increasingly dispiriting turn at the poll monitor is a blow for the future of democratic processes in the country.

Simple Present S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Such an increasingly dispiriting turn at the poll monitor
This kind of discouraging situation in the organization that watches over elections
Verb What is happening
is
Is (linking verb)
Complement Completes meaning
a blow for the future of democratic processes in the country
A major shock or harmful event for how fair elections will be in India later
Sentence 1 of 13
Sentence 1 of 13
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on April 18 differed from a speech he made at a similar election-eve juncture in 2019, it was nonetheless problematic.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on April 18 differed from a speech he made at a similar election-eve juncture in 2019
Even though the PM’s talk this year was not the same as his 2019 talk right before the election
Subject
it
The Prime Minister’s address on April 18
Verb
was
Existed in a certain state (linking verb)
Complement
nonetheless problematic
Still causing worry or controversy despite the differences
Sentence 2 of 13
In 2019, following a successful anti-satellite missile test, private news channels aired a speech by Mr. Modi extolling the mission and his government’s commitment to the country’s technological prowess even as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in force ahead of the general election.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In 2019
During the year 2019
Adjunct
following a successful anti-satellite missile test
After India successfully tested a missile that can destroy satellites in space
Subject
private news channels
News companies that are not owned by the government
Verb
aired
Broadcast or showed the speech on television
Object
a speech by Mr. Modi extolling the mission and his government’s commitment to the country’s technological prowess
A talk where Mr. Modi praised the missile test and said his government is working hard to make India advanced in technology
Adjunct
even as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in force ahead of the general election
At a time when election rules were already active to ensure fairness before the national voting
Sentence 3 of 13
Late last week, Mr. Modi’s transgression was greater as Doordarshan and Sansad TV broadcast his speech even as he accused the Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party of committing the “sin of foeticide” after they blocked the combined women’s reservation and delimitation Bills, and suggested that women voters would punish them electorally in the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections on April 23.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Late last week
During the last part of the previous week
Subject
Mr. Modi’s transgression
The act of breaking the rules by Mr. Modi
Verb
was
Was (state of being)
Complement
greater
More serious compared to previous times
Adjunct
as Doordarshan and Sansad TV broadcast his speech even as he accused the Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party of committing the “sin of foeticide” after they blocked the combined women’s reservation and delimitation Bills
Because government TV channels showed his talk where he blamed opposition parties for stopping women’s seat rules and called it a big sin
Adjunct
and suggested that women voters would punish them electorally in the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections on April 23
And he hinted that women would not vote for these parties in the upcoming state elections as a punishment
Sentence 4 of 13
Thus far, the Opposition in Parliament as well as numerous academics and activists have written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) urging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should sanction Mr. Modi for violating the MCC.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Thus far
Up to this point in time
Subject
the Opposition in Parliament as well as numerous academics and activists
The political parties against the government, along with many teachers/experts and social workers
Verb
have written
Sent a formal letter
Indirect Object
to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
To the head of the Election Commission of India
Adjunct
urging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should sanction Mr. Modi for violating the MCC
Asking strongly that the ECI should punish the PM for breaking election rules
Sentence 5 of 13
In a familiar but also increasingly dispiriting turn, the ECI has yet to respond.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In a familiar but also increasingly dispiriting turn
In a situation that we have seen before but that makes us feel even more discouraged now
Subject
the ECI
The Election Commission of India
Verb
has yet to respond
Has not replied or taken action yet
Sentence 6 of 13
It is expected to act reasonably quickly, as it has against Opposition parties.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
The Election Commission of India
Verb
is expected
People think it should happen
Adjunct
to act reasonably quickly
To take action in a short and fair amount of time
Adjunct
as it has against Opposition parties
Just like how it took fast action against parties that are not in the government
Sentence 7 of 13
Since the facts are not in dispute in this instance and the ECI’s reluctance to sanction the Prime Minister has become well-known, it is hard to believe that the delay is benign.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Since the facts are not in dispute in this instance and the ECI’s reluctance to sanction the Prime Minister has become well-known
Because the truth about what happened is clear to everyone, and everyone knows that the ECI is unwilling to punish the PM
Subject
it
The current situation or the thought that follows
Verb
is
Is (linking verb)
Complement
hard to believe that the delay is benign
Difficult to think that this waiting time is just a mistake and not done on purpose
Sentence 8 of 13
The constitutional body allowed the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme to continue broadcasting during the State polls in 2015 and 2017 and permitted NaMo TV to air in 2019 after prior approval of its contents.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The constitutional body
The organization created by the Constitution, which is the Election Commission here
Verb
allowed
Gave permission
Object
the Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme to continue broadcasting during the State polls in 2015 and 2017
The PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio show happened even when state elections were going on
Verb
permitted
Allowed something to happen
Object
NaMo TV to air in 2019 after prior approval of its contents
Allowed a special TV channel called NaMo TV to show programs after checking them first
Sentence 9 of 13
In 2024, the ECI issued a notice regarding a controversial speech by Mr. Modi in Rajasthan, but addressed it to the BJP president rather than to him.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In 2024
During the year 2024
Subject
the ECI
The Election Commission of India
Verb
issued
Sent out officially
Object
a notice regarding a controversial speech by Mr. Modi in Rajasthan
A formal warning letter about a speech in Rajasthan that many people disagreed with
Verb
addressed
Directed the letter to someone
Object
it
The notice
Indirect Object
to the BJP president
To the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party
Adjunct
rather than to him
Instead of sending it directly to Mr. Modi
Sentence 10 of 13
In its latest notice to Mr. Nadda, the ECI has asked for a reply by 11 a.m. on April 22.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In its latest notice to Mr. Nadda
In the most recent warning letter sent to the BJP President
Subject
the ECI
The Election Commission of India
Verb
has asked
Has requested or demanded
Object
for a reply
An answer or explanation
Adjunct
by 11 a.m. on April 22
Before the specific deadline of 11 in the morning on April 22
Sentence 11 of 13
Given that voting in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is on April 23, the deadline for a reply is itself after the polling would have begun.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Given that voting in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is on April 23
Considering that people will vote in these two states on April 23
Subject
the deadline for a reply
The last time/date to give an answer
Verb
is
Is (linking verb)
Complement
itself after the polling would have begun
Happens even after people have already started voting
Sentence 12 of 13
This partisanship underscores the ECI’s lack of interest in upholding electoral fairness and institutional independence.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This partisanship
This behavior of taking sides or being biased
Verb
underscores
Shows clearly or emphasizes
Object
the ECI’s lack of interest in upholding electoral fairness and institutional independence
That the ECI does not care about keeping elections fair or keeping itself free from outside control
Sentence 13 of 13
Such an increasingly dispiriting turn at the poll monitor is a blow for the future of democratic processes in the country.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Such an increasingly dispiriting turn at the poll monitor
This kind of discouraging situation in the organization that watches over elections
Verb
is
Is (linking verb)
Complement
a blow for the future of democratic processes in the country
A major shock or harmful event for how fair elections will be in India later

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - PM's Speech and ECI

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the Election Commission of India's response to the Prime Minister's address.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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