New Delhi, March 27: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will examine Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on ‘Mission Shakti’ after various opposition parties raised concerns over his address to the nation on Wednesday. According to reports, the poll code panel led by Sandeep Saxena will look into the matter if the PM’s speech violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). 2010 to 2019: India's Journey From Building ASAT Weapon to Becoming Space Power And DRDO's 'Mission Shakti'.

Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee alleged that PM Modi violated the MCC with his announcement on India acquiring anti-satellite weapon capabilities. Banerjee said that there was "no great urgency" of announcing the mission by a government "past its expiry date" and asserted that it seems to be the "desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat". Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi also mocked the PM for his speech by wishing him a "Happy World Theatre Day". China Reacts to India’s Anti-Satellite Missile Test, Says ‘Hope India Will Safeguard Peace in Outer Space’.

Details of 'Mission Shakti':

On March 27, India became the fourth Elite Space Power after DRDO scientists successfully carried out Mission Shakti. The Prime Minister announced that India's Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) Missile shot down a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite in Space. "I assure the international community that our capability won't be used against anyone, but is purely India's defence initiative for its security. We're against arms raised in space. This test won't breach any international law or treaties," PM Modi added. 

Meanwhile, responding to India’s demonstration of A-SAT capability, China said that hope India would uphold peace in outer space. Pakistan also asked the international community to condemn the mission.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 27, 2019 09:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).