E-Paper
Lok Sabha elections 2019: Poll watchdog stops streaming of Modi web series
The commission also asked Eros Now, the producers of the series, to file a compliance report.
Amid the ongoing general elections, the Election Commission has asked the producers of a web series based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life, Modi: Journey of a Common Man, to stop its online streaming and remove all content related to it until further orders.
The commission also asked Eros Now, the producers of the series, to file a compliance report.
Acting on a complaint forwarded to it by the chief electoral officer of Delhi, the poll watchdog said the series has the potential to disturb the level playing field at election time and was in contravention of the model code of conduct in force since the poll schedule was announced on March 10.
The commission referred to its April 10 order that barred the screening of any biopic subserving the purpose of any political entity or individual, which has the potential to disturb the level playing field during elections.
Taking note of the fact that the web series showcases the different phases of PM Modi’s life, from his childhood to becoming a national leader, the EC, in its order, said, “...In view of the admitted facts and material available on record, this web series being an original web series on Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister and a political leader and a prospective candidate in the current general elections to the Lok Sabha, cannot be exhibited.”
On Monday, the poll watchdog will convey its decision on the screening of the Modi biopic to the Supreme Court in a sealed envelop.
