BJP workers found playing theme song without EC clearance

Kolkata: The Election Commission is yet to give BJP permission to play its controversial theme song sung by Asansol MP Babul Supriyo. However, leaders and activists of the party were found playing the song rampantly in the vehicles on their way to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Brigade Parade Ground on Wednesday.

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in the state had categorically told BJP to submit the revised lyrics of the song on the basis of certain recommendations put forward by the commission. After examining the song, the CEO's office had raised 15 objections and instructed the party to make necessary rectifications in the song, as it would not be possible for the Election Commission to provide clearance for the same otherwise.

The state BJP leaders are yet to submit the revised lyrics of the song to the commission. Despite that, some leaders and activists seem to be using the song in their election rallies, flouting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) laid down by the commission.

The city on Wednesday witnessed a classic example of MCC violation when many BJP cadres enthusiastically played the song on loudspeakers fitted in their vehicles, without paying heed to the Election Commission's directive. Some BJP activists were even seen dancing to the tune of Supriyo's song.

The commission did not give permission to play the song during BJP's campaigns or election rallies, as it carries a subtle attack on Trinamool Congress and its Supremo Mamata Banerjee. The CEO's office had also show-caused Supriyo for releasing the controversial song.

In his clarification to the commission, Supriyo claimed that he did not release the song and hence it did not fall under the purview of the commission. Contrary to what Supriyo claimed, the song was found

on various social media platforms.