EC asks Karnataka govt to stop giving ads on its work in Telangana papers
PTI, Nov 28, 2023, 8:04 AM IST
The Election Commission on Monday asked the Congress government in Karnataka to stop publishing advertisements about its work in newspapers in poll-bound Telangana and sought an explanation from it for not seeking prior approval as mandated under the poll code.
Earlier in the day, the BJP lodged a complaint with the Commission in the matter, alleging that the Congress has violated the Representation of the People Act and the Model Code of Conduct with its government in Karnataka putting out advertisements in the Telangana media with an eye on the November 30 assembly polls there. The BRS too approached the poll panel on the issue.
In a letter to the Karnataka chief secretary, the Commission said the state government did not obtain prior approval from it for publishing the advertisements, an action violative of the poll code instructions issued to central and state governments years ago.
It also said the publication of any such advertisement by the government of Karnataka in Telangana should stop with immediate effect till necessary approvals are taken by the state government from the Commission.
It has sought an explanation by 5 pm on Tuesday on the circumstances which led to the violation of the Commission’s Model Code of Conduct (MCC) instructions.
In its letter, the Commission also asked why disciplinary action should not be taken against the secretary-in-charge of the Department of Information and Public Relations for violations of procedure as required under MCC instructions.
In the past, the Commission had observed that certain advertisements highlighting welfare schemes and achievements of the central and state governments were being published by some non-poll going states in the newspapers in poll-bound states.
The Commission had considered this to be a violation of the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct.
In 2013, it had directed that, in future, all such advertisements issued by non-poll going states during the Model Code of Conduct period would be forwarded to the Commission for clearance before they are sent for publication in newspapers having edition or circulation in the poll-bound states.
Assembly polls are due in Telangana on November 30, with the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the Congress and the BJP locked in a keen battle.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Cong-BJP spar over K’taka CM’s charge that saffron party attempting ‘horse trading’ to topple govt
COVID-19 scam: Karnataka cabinet decides to set up SIT
Stray dog menace at Kempegowda International Airport causes concern
Malpe: Sewage, trash cleared from Fisheries College campus
Six scholars, including two women, win Infosys Prize 2024
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Cow smuggler dead, six others injured after their vehicle overturns during police chase
Assam bypolls: Samaguri Cong candidate alleges rigging by BJP, demands repolling
Who in Congress has said Article 370 will be restored? Shah spreading lies: Kharge
All arrangements in place to ensure smooth darshan at Sabarimala shrine: Kerala police
Delhi pollution: Mothers’ group write to health minister, highlight respiratory issues among kids
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.