Congress demands ban on TV channels for promoting BJP

Mumbai: The Congress has demanded a ban on two television channels – Zee TV and &TV – for allegedly violating the model code of conduct through their serials by praising Central government schemes and the ruling party.

The party on Monday approached the Election Commission (EC) demanding action against these channels, along with the production team and actors of serials ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ and ‘Tujhse hai Raabta’ for violating the moral code of conduct.

A delegation of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, led by its general secretary Sachin Sawant, called on the state chief election officer to file a complaint regarding alleged code of conduct violation. “It was shocking that television serials were being used to ‘promote’ schemes and leaders of the ruling party,” said Mr Sawant.

“We approached the EC seeking ban on the two channels for airing content that exalts the schemes and ruling party leaders. It violates the model code of conduct and betrays viewers,” Mr Sawant said in a statement.

“The BJP is now using all deceptive and illegal means to influence the electorate. Since the last few days’ television serials with high TRPs are being used to promote government schemes to benefit the ruling party,” he added.

He said there was a possibility that crores of rupees were transacted in this connection and demanded that the EC probe it and register a case of corruption.

“Schemes like Mudra Yojana, Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan are being projected as the key achievements of the current government and Prime Minister is said to be responsible for these achievements. We have submitted the clips of these serials in which the actors are seen indirectly campaigning for the ruling party and we feel the methodology fits the definition of paid news,” said Mr Sawant.

Speaking on this, senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde said, it is up to the EC to take a decision on this issue.