The ECI has sought a proof from the Cong on the advert (in pic) by Thursday, 3pm. (X)
Cong advert forward of Rajasthan elections: The ECI, in the discover based mostly on BJP’s criticism, mentioned the commercial was not solely deceptive but in addition appears aimed toward inflicting a confusion in the minds of the voters relating to the end result of the election
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued a discover to Rajasthan Congress President relating to an commercial in a Hindi newspaper that “fails to adhere to the standards expected from a national party” because it was “designed to look like a news item with the view to disorient the electors”.
The ECI, in the discover, mentioned that the commercial was not solely deceptive but in addition appears aimed toward inflicting a confusion in the minds of the voters relating to the end result of the election, thereby trying to disturb the extent enjoying area. The discover was based mostly on a criticism filed by the BJP’s state unit.
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The ballot physique has sought a proof from the state unit president by 3pm on Thursday, whereas restraining the occasion from utilising the format, content material, language and placement of commercial to make sure a level-playing area for all stakeholders.
“In the present series of political advertisements in Rajasthan by the INC (Congress), it is noticeable that the design and content of the impugned Ads are missing the Election Symbol… The Commission expects all national political parties to abide by their own assessment and concerns in this case being w.r.t. the format, content, location, and language of the political advertisement without an evident visual or content mark to identify them as such, and, so as not to confuse the electors’ mind as if they are independent news items,” the discover reads.
The political commercials by political events and different stakeholders “should not be masqueraded as news”. “This has been a documented common concern with a previous record of complaints and counter complaints,” it added.
What is IMPACT FEATURE? A determined Congress is now resorting to obfuscation and blatant violation of ballot pointers. Trying to cross off an advert as opinion of the newspaper. But what’s Dainik Bhaskar’a compulsion to oblige? All this however, individuals of Rajasthan will slap… pic.twitter.com/hsL3Zmxgk9— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 20, 2023
THE COMPLAINT
The commercial was revealed in Dainik Bhaskar in Rajasthan on November 20.
In the criticism, the BJP alleged that the commercial was in violation of Model Code of Conduct provisions.
“The INC has published advertisements camouflaged as political predictions and/or as news headlines in front pages of several newspapers… the said advertisements have been presented in such a manner on the front page of such newspapers so as to prejudice the minds of the voters of Rajasthan. More so, the advertisements have been presented in a manner so as to look like newspaper headlines in an attempt to give credibility to a pure political campaign in the guise of news. It has been further stated that it is a violation of ECI instructions which prohibit any direct or indirect attempt at undue influence on electors minds,” the discover added, citing BJP’s criticism.
It is essential to notice that the location, design and the content material of commercial in the print media, previous to 48 hours of the date of ballot, don’t require MCMC clearance and, thus, “is an action entirely controlled by the respective political parties with financial implications”.
Rajasthan will go to polls on November 25, whereas counting of votes will likely be carried out on December 3.
