Viksit Bharat messages: Controversy over letter from PM Modi on WhatsApp explained in 10 points

Amid a political slugfest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's 'Viksit Bharat' messages, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday directed the Centre to "immediately halt" sending bulk WhatsApp messages.

The Centre's 'Viksit Bharat Sampark' message on highlighted the National Democratic Alliance government's development initiatives.

The Viksit Bharat Sampark is a "letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi", sent by the Government of India on WhatsApp.

"In the last 10 years, all 140 crore Indians have benefited from various schemes and policies of the Government, and will continue to do so in the future as well," the message read as the Modi government sought support and suggestions for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

(With agency inputs)