Cong approaches EC over BJP's 'misuse' of DDK, pvt TV channel
New Delhi: The Congress on Monday moved the Election Commission against the BJP's alleged "misuse" of Doordarshan in broadcasting certain speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and for using "Namo channel" as a tool for political campaigning.
The opposition party's delegation, comprising senior leaders Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, also made a representation to the Election Commission (EC) seeking necessary directions to Jharkhand's chief electoral officer and relevant authorities for immediate suspension or transfer of election officers and agents with pending criminal cases and complaints of serious nature.
"We have made three representations to the EC. First representation is that there are some officials (in Jharkhand) that have charges of bribery and undue influence against them," Sibal said.
"The other two representations are related to the misuse of Doordarshan by the BJP in broadcasting certain speeches made by the prime minister and the use of a particular channel which has come up in which the logo is 'Namo', and under the Representation of People Act and the guidelines of the EC there cannot be campaigning in this fashion," he said.
The Congress has called for a level playing field, he said, adding that the EC has stated that it will look into the matter.
A channel named 'Content TV' has been launched on various DTH platforms and it has been found that it is dedicated solely to Modi and the BJP for promoting and advertising the achievements of the government, personal achievements of the PM, his political rallies, and broadcasting interviews of prominent BJP leaders, the memorandum submitted by the Congress to the EC said.
It sought passing of strictures or censures against the prime minister and the BJP for "using the channel as a political tool, while the model code of conduct is in place". The Congress also requested the EC for urgent and necessary directions to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Prasar Bharti (DD news).
