Election Commission’s nod to PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday

“We are surprised to learn that EC has granted permission for Mann Ki Baat based on some request by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dated September 15”.

The grand alliance of the Congress, the JD(U) and the RJD had approached the Election Commission on Wednesday seeking suspension of PM Modi’s “Mann ki Baat” until completion of the Bihar elections. 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”. 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.

The EC communiqué also reminded that the model code of conduct was in force in Bihar, where the Assembly polls would be held between October 12 and November 5.

An earlier complaint against the monthly broadcast during the Harayana assembly polls had been rejected after the Commission went through the recording and transcript of the episode. 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.

“Interesting effort by @mygovindia, which enables you to join Mann Ki Baat programme”.

“Permitting the Prime Minister to organise the Mann Ki Baat programme would be giving a completely unfair advantage to the BJP and will upset the level-playing field essential to uphold the neutrality and majesty of the electoral process”, the parties had said in its petition.