SEC seeks Shiv Sena's reply on Saamana ban within three days

Mumbai: The state election commission has sent a letter to Shiv Sena, seeking a reply from it in three days over BJP’s complaint. The BJP had demanded a ban on Saamana on certain days before the civic body polls, alleging that it violates the election code of conduct. BJP leader Shweta Shalini had filed a complaint with the state election commission.  

However, the party stands divided over the demand to ban Saamana. Information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu said, “banning newspapers is not their party’s culture.”

An official from the state election commission confirmed that it has sent a letter to Shiv Sena, seeking reply on BJP’s complaint. “We have followed the procedure and asked Shiv Sena to file a response to the complaint. The BJP’s complaint has been attached with the letter, and the reply is sought in three days,” the official said.

“Imposing ban on newspapers is not BJP’s culture. Congress had imposed emergency. So let me assure you that there won’t be any ban on the newspaper. Let them write whatever they want to. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity is increasing, and it is not only increasing in India but across the world. Leaders from across the world are praising PM Modi,” said Mr Naidu in Pune.

Echoing similar sentiments, Union Minister of Chemical and Fertilisers, Anant Kumar said that he agreed with Naidu.

Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar has said that the union minister and state BJP spokesperson Shweta Shalini’s stand is the same. “We are not bringing any ban on the newspaper. We have raised a valid question about paid news which is not allowed as per the election commission’s rules,” he added.

However, the Sena had ridiculed the BJP’s demand and questioned its affiliation with the Tarun Bharat newspaper.