EC applies brakes on Modi biopic, Namo TV

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission Wednesday banned the screening of the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the poll period, saying any such film that subserves the purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media.

The EC order came a day before the movie was to be released.

The first phase of Lok Sabha elections starts Thursday.

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by a Congress activist seeking a stay on the release of the biopic and said the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to find the redressal.

The apex court said it was not entertaining the petition for the stay on the release of the film as it was "premature" since the movie is yet to be certified by the Censor Board.

It said even if the film is released on April 11, as claimed by the Congress activist, it will be appropriate for him to seek redressal from the Election Commission.

The plea had sought postponement of the biopic's release till the completion of the coming Lok Sabha polls, alleging that it was designed to "manipulate, influence and impress viewers and voters".

In another setback, NaMo TV, the 24-hour channel promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP can't be on air while the code of conduct is in place, Election Commission sources have said, referring to the panel's order stopping the release of a biopic on the Prime Minister. The channel had mysteriously surfaced on satellite TV networks late last month, drawing protests from the opposition.

The opposition, which had complained to the Election Commission about the channel, welcomed the development. "We are happy that they (Election Commission) have redeemed their image as a vital policeman. The Supreme Court also had also said it was up to the Election Commission to decide such things," Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.

The BJP, however, maintained that the channel was ot in violation of the election code. "I don't think it is a setback for the government. I don't think the Election Commission found any illegality in the law. It was just showing the achievements of the government and the Prime Minister. It was a positive information initiative. We will be looking at alternatives," Vivek Reddy of the BJP said.

But Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) complained to the Election Commission against the channel saying it violated the model code of conduct that came into effect on March 10 after the Election Commission announced seven-phase elections from April 11 to May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.