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

Scoreclever

Win Exams Cleverly

The Hindu Read Original

10 min read

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on April 18 differed from a speech he made at a similar in 2019

Even though the PM’s talk this year was not the same as his 2019 talk right before the election

Part 2

The Prime Minister’s address on April 18

Part 3

was

Existed in a certain state (linking verb)

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2019

During the year 2019

Part 2

following a successful missile test

After India successfully tested a missile that can destroy satellites in space

Part 3

private news channels

News companies that are not owned by the government

Part 4

aired

Broadcast or showed the speech on television

Part 5

a speech by Mr. Modi the mission and his government’s commitment to the country’s technological

A talk where Mr. Modi praised the missile test and said his government is working hard to make India advanced in technology

Part 6

even as the (MCC) was 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Late last week

During the last part of the previous week

Part 2

Mr. Modi’s

The act of breaking the rules by Mr. Modi

Part 3

was

Was (state of being)

Part 4

greater

More serious compared to previous times

Part 5

as Doordarshan and Sansad TV broadcast his speech even as he accused the Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party of committing the “” after they blocked the combined women’s reservation and 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

Part 6

and suggested that women voters would punish them 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Thus far

Up to this point in time

Part 2

the Opposition in Parliament as well as numerous and

The political parties against the government, along with many teachers/experts and social workers

Part 3

have written

Sent a formal letter

Part 4

to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

To the head of the Election Commission of India

Part 5

urging that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should Mr. Modi for 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In a familiar but also increasingly turn

In a situation that we have seen before but that makes us feel even more discouraged now

Part 2

the ECI

The Election Commission of India

Part 3

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Election Commission of India

Part 2

is expected

People think it should happen

Part 3

to act reasonably quickly

To take action in a short and fair amount of time

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since the facts are not in in this instance and the ECI’s 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

Part 2

The current situation or the thought that follows

Part 3

Is (linking verb)

Part 4

hard to believe that the delay is

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The

The organization created by the Constitution, which is the Election Commission here

Part 2

allowed

Gave permission

Part 3

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

Part 4

permitted

Allowed something to happen

Part 5

NaMo TV to air in 2019 after 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2024

During the year 2024

Part 2

the ECI

The Election Commission of India

Part 3

issued

Sent out officially

Part 4

a notice regarding a speech by Mr. Modi in Rajasthan

A formal warning letter about a speech in Rajasthan that many people disagreed with

Part 5

addressed

Directed the letter to someone

Part 6

The notice

Part 7

to the BJP president

To the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party

Part 8

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In its latest notice to Mr. Nadda

In the most recent warning letter sent to the BJP President

Part 2

the ECI

The Election Commission of India

Part 3

has asked

Has requested or demanded

Part 4

for a reply

An answer or explanation

Part 5

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

voting in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is on April 23

Considering that people will vote in these two states on April 23

Part 2

the for a reply

The last time/date to give an answer

Part 3

Is (linking verb)

Part 4

itself after the 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

This behavior of taking sides or being biased

Part 2

Shows clearly or emphasizes

Part 3

the ECI’s lack of interest in electoral fairness and institutional

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Such an increasingly dispiriting turn at the

This kind of discouraging situation in the organization that watches over elections

Part 2

Is (linking verb)

Part 3

a 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

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The editorial discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s televised address to the nation on April 18, 2026, which occurred just before assembly elections.
2 The Prime Minister used the term ‘sin of foeticide’ to criticize the Opposition for blocking bills related to women’s reservation and delimitation.
3 Critics argue that this speech violates the Model Code of Conduct, yet the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not taken action.
4 The ECI’s history of leniency towards the Prime Minister compared to its swift action against Opposition parties is highlighted.
5 The editorial warns that such inaction undermines the ECI’s credibility and the fairness of the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Tone of the Editorial

Critical

Why this tone?

The editorial adopts a critical tone towards the Election Commission of India’s perceived partiality and delay in acting against the Prime Minister. It uses strong language like ‘increasingly dispiriting turn’, ‘partisanship’, and ‘undermines the fairness’, emphasizing a deep concern over the erosion of institutional independence.

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

The Prime Minister’s address on April 18

Part 3

was

Existed in a certain state (linking verb)

Part 4

nonetheless problematic

Still causing worry or controversy despite the differences

Sentence 2 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2019

During the year 2019

Part 2

following a successful anti-satellite missile test

After India successfully tested a missile that can destroy satellites in space

Part 3

private news channels

News companies that are not owned by the government

Part 4

aired

Broadcast or showed the speech on television

Part 5

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

Part 6

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Late last week

During the last part of the previous week

Part 2

Mr. Modi’s transgression

The act of breaking the rules by Mr. Modi

Part 3

was

Was (state of being)

Part 4

greater

More serious compared to previous times

Part 5

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

Part 6

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Thus far

Up to this point in time

Part 2

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

Part 3

have written

Sent a formal letter

Part 4

to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

To the head of the Election Commission of India

Part 5

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

the ECI

The Election Commission of India

Part 3

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Election Commission of India

Part 2

is expected

People think it should happen

Part 3

to act reasonably quickly

To take action in a short and fair amount of time

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

The current situation or the thought that follows

Part 3

Is (linking verb)

Part 4

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The constitutional body

The organization created by the Constitution, which is the Election Commission here

Part 2

allowed

Gave permission

Part 3

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

Part 4

permitted

Allowed something to happen

Part 5

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In 2024

During the year 2024

Part 2

the ECI

The Election Commission of India

Part 3

issued

Sent out officially

Part 4

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

Part 5

addressed

Directed the letter to someone

Part 6

The notice

Part 7

to the BJP president

To the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party

Part 8

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In its latest notice to Mr. Nadda

In the most recent warning letter sent to the BJP President

Part 2

the ECI

The Election Commission of India

Part 3

has asked

Has requested or demanded

Part 4

for a reply

An answer or explanation

Part 5

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

the deadline for a reply

The last time/date to give an answer

Part 3

Is (linking verb)

Part 4

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This partisanship

This behavior of taking sides or being biased

Part 2

underscores

Shows clearly or emphasizes

Part 3

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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Such an increasingly dispiriting turn at the poll monitor

This kind of discouraging situation in the organization that watches over elections

Part 2

Is (linking verb)

Part 3

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%

Explore by Category

Editorial Categories

Politics and Governance 7 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 2 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

Vocabulary Feeds

Challenging Vocabulary 151 Idioms and Phrases 108 Phrasal Verbs 52

About Scoreclever

Your Complete Learning Ecosystem

Scoreclever helps you master Current Affairs, English Language, and General Awareness for all Banking, SSC, Railway, and Defence exams. The Scoreclever app has innovative learning techniques that make memorization and revision effortless.

Explore Scoreclever

Anything wrong in this content?

Give feedback

Request a feature?

Contact support

Looking to contribute?

Contact our team

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

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension - PM's Speech and ECI

Explore by Category

Share this editorial

About Scoreclever

Anything wrong in this content?

Request a feature?

Looking to contribute?