EC refuses to ban PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ during Bihar Polls

“The complaint filed by the Congress and its alliance partners seeking ban on the Mr Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” is accepted before the commission under examination”.

The EC had on Friday rejected the Congress Party and its alliances’ demand of banning Prime Minister Modi’s radio programme, alleging that it could be used to influence the outcome of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his views and ideas with the nation in the 12th edition of Mann Ki Baat on the All India Radio at 11 AM on Sunday.

The EC also warned Railway Ministry against giving special concessions for special trains being run to and from Bihar till the model code of conduct is in force. Talking to reporters after meeting the Election Commission, Mr Singhvi said, “Under the Model code of conduct there is a specific provision that advertisements of even one paise of public exchequer is prohibited”. “The elections are being fought on the agenda of development while Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad and Congress have nothing to show to people”. Second, it is technically impossible to block the broadcast in Bihar as it is aired simultaneously across multiple platforms such as YouTube, PIB live streaming and private channels. Sources in the Election Commission, however, said that though the programme won’t be stopped, no new policies can be announced in the same.

Seeking permission, the ministry of information and broadcasting clarified on September 17 that the subject matter of Mann Ki Baat in no way violates the poll code as it is being addressed by the PM in his official capacity.