Karnataka Polls: BJP ads targeting Congress, violating EC guidelines banned
What's the story
Three video advertisements of the BJP against the ruling Congress in poll-bound Karnataka were banned by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) after a complaint was filed by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). The committee restrained the media yesterday from airing/sharing the advertisements on the ground that they were violating Election Commission guidelines. Assembly elections are scheduled in Karnataka on May 12.
Complaint
Advertisements contrary to provisions of IPC, Representation of People's Act
The MCMC was acting on a complaint filed by MLC VS Ugrappa, on behalf of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee; he had contended that the BJP's advertisements violated the election code of conduct. Ugrappa, in his complaint, also said the advertisements were also contrary to the provisions of the Indian Penal Code as well as the Representation of People's Act.
The Order
Video advertisements violated the Election Commission guidelines: MCMC order
"The Commissioner of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Harsha PS, in his order, banned airing of 'Jana Virodhi Sarkara' (anti-people government), 'Viphala Sarkara' (failed government), both of 35 seconds duration, and 'Mooru Bhagya' (three fortunes) of 50 seconds," MCMC's order said. The permission for these three visual advertisements was given to Ganesh Yaji, state office secretary of BJP on April 22.
Quote
Advertisements are absolutely false and unverified claims: Complaint
Ugrappa's complaint said, "Series of television advertisements have also been published and broadcast across various TV channels in Karnataka, which are absolutely false and unverified claims, amounting to further attacks on the integrity and personal image of the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah)."