The EC had sought certain clarifications from the I&B ministry.
Advertisement
The grand alliance had approached the poll body seeking ban on “Mann ki baat” alleging that it “violates” the model code of conduct in force due to Bihar assembly polls.
A senior official of the Commission said, “No blanket ban can be enforced on the broadcast or Cabinet meetings”.
As per reports, in a recent decision which is surely bound to get criticism from the opposition parties, recently, the Election Commission announced that they have not found anything objectionable in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, which is set to be broadcasted on September 20. First, the model code of conduct is applicable only to Bihar and the central government insofar as announcements relating to Bihar, while “Mann ki Baat” is addressed to the whole nation. However, the EC has made it clear that nothing should be said in the September 20 programme that may be construed as inducement to voters or could impact the upcoming Assembly polls in Bihar. “Nothing mistaken will occur should you do not do “Mann ki Baat” for 2 months”, he added. In yet another important ruling, the commission took cognizance of a complaint filed by the JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance against special trains being run from Bihar offering concessional fares to BJP workers. The commission has thus rejected a demand made by the Congress and its allies that the PM’s programme be suspended till the elections in Bihar are over.
Advertisement
However, in a related matter the ECI has pulled up the ministry of railways on movement of special trains.
