Prior to International Yoga Day, the Modi government receives “special permission” from ECI to hold countdown events

In the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga on June 21, the government is allowed to host a number of countdown events around the country by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Based on papers obtained by News18, it seems that the Ministry of Ayush requested “special permission” for this.

According to the ECI’s communication with the Ministry of Ayush earlier this month, four guidelines must be adhered to during such events. One of the guidelines states that pictures of any ministers or political officials cannot be displayed during events held in constituencies where the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in effect due to ongoing elections.

No political official may be invited to such parties, per the poll panel’s directive, and those who accept invitations or participate are required to abide by all MCC rules. “In the event that an advertisement is released in this context, it must not feature the images of any minister or political officials in publications that are published or distributed in the areas where MCC is in effect,” the ECI statement to the ministry said.

In a letter sent to all secretaries this month, the Ayush Ministry said that it has received “special permission” from the ECI to plan countdown events around the country in order to “build momentum before the International Day of Yoga.”

For the last nine years, June 21 has been designated as the International Day of Yoga. The International Day of Yoga is observed by the Ministry of Ayush, which also plans a number of activities to raise awareness of the practice of yoga.