Yesterday we told you that Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging violation of code of conduct by BJP. The opposition party said that two shows-
Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain (&TV) and
Tujhse Hai Raabta (Zee TV) propagated government’s pet schemes in their show, and this is going against the code of conduct, as established by EC.
And now, a report in Mumbai Mirror states that makers of both the shows have been sent a show cause notice by the EC, demanding an explanation within 24 hours.
Additional Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, Dilip Shinde told the tabloid, “We received a complaint that Zee TV and & TV were using their serials to campaign the Centre’s schemes and hence violating the model code of conduct. We have issued show cause notices to producers of the serials. They will have to reply in 24 hours. Further action will be taken after receiving their reply.”
Applauding the EC’s move, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “It was a serious matter and the action by the EC was expected. The channels have brazenly violated the code of conduct. I had demanded that the channels should be suspended for the violation. The EC should also hold BJP responsible for running their campaign on the channels. It also shows how BJP is muzzling democracy and setting the wrong precedent. This trend is dangerous for the country. The party is using deceptive and illegal means to garner votes,”
Meanwhile, when the controversy sparked off, a spokesperson of Zee group, of which &TV is a part, had defended the content saying it was in “public interest”. While talking to the tabloid, he had said, “As a responsible national television network, ZEE has always created content basis its stringent content guidelines. The mention of certain government schemes and initiatives in some of the episodes of the television shows was a creative call taken purely in the interest of the public.”
Image Source:Twitter,TV Guide,theworldnews,YouTube/ZeeTV,ANDTV
