EC Takes Note of Cong, AAP Plaints, Seeks I&B Response on 24-hr Channel NaMo TV

In a letter to the EC, AAP said the channel went against the principle of creating a level playing field for all parties.

New Delhi: Based on a complaint filed by the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission of India has sought a response from the I&B ministry on 24-hour channel ‘NaMo TV’.

On Tuesday, the Congress and AAP had complained against NaMo TV which is a 24-hour channel that broadcasts Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election campaigns. It was launched on March 31.

Along with the Ministry of I&B, the Election Commission has also written to Doordarshan asking how it ran an hour-long live broadcast of PM Modi’s public address ‘Main bhi chowkidaar’ on March 31, reported a leading daily.

This channel, which is named after the Prime Minister with his picture as its logo, also streams compilations of his speeches ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress and AAP have asked the EC how this channel could be launched after the model code of conduct came into force.

In a letter to the EC, AAP said the channel went against the principle of creating a level playing field for all parties. “But defying this cardinal principle Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a 24-hr channel NaMo TV,” the letter from AAP’s legal cell said.

“Who will monitor the contents of the telecast. Did BJP approach the Media Certification Committee established to certify the contents of the telecast and the cost?” the letter asked.

“If no permission sought by EC then what action has been taken in this regard?” it asked.

The Congress had also written to the Election Commission and said NaMo TV, earlier called Content TV, was dedicated “solely to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and BJP for promoting and advertising the achievements of the government, personal achievements of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, political rallies of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and broadcasting interviews of prominent BJP leaders.”