Final answer:
The Election Commission of India is responsible for administering elections and ensuring they are conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. It does not control the government but has a regulatory role during the election period, especially when the Model Code of Conduct is in effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) does not control the government; rather, it is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India. The ECI ensures that elections are free, fair, and conducted in accordance with the law. The role of ECI begins with the announcement of the election schedule and continues till the election results are declared and the elected representatives take office.
The ECI's control over government functions is more pronounced during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which comes into effect as soon as an election schedule is announced. During the MCC period, the government is restricted from announcing any new projects or initiatives that might influence voters, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.
It's important to emphasize that the Election Commission's role is supervisory and regulatory, not governmental. The ECI doesn't take over government functions but ensures that the electoral process is conducted fairly and justly, without any undue influence from those holding power.