Indian poll watchdog stops web series on Modi

Published April 20, 2019
Under Indian election regulations, the publication of any content which is deemed as campaign material or propaganda is not allowed during the voting period. — AP/File
Under Indian election regulations, the publication of any content which is deemed as campaign material or propaganda is not allowed during the voting period. — AP/File

India's poll watchdog on Saturday ordered producers to stop streaming a web series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, weeks after it banned a Bollywood film and clamped down on a TV channel devoted to the right-wing premier.

The Election Commission of India — an autonomous body tasked with overseeing the world's biggest democratic exercise — said the online web series was in violation of its rules.

Under Indian election regulations, the publication of any content which is deemed as campaign material or propaganda is not allowed during the voting period.

Any political advertising must also be approved by the election authorities so that all spending is accounted for.

India's mammoth six-week vote began on April 11 and will run until May 19, with results due on May 23.

When it ordered a halt to the streaming of the online series, the commission said any biopic material which has the “potential to disturb the level playing field” should not be displayed until after the polls have closed.

The series, titled “Modi: Journey of a Common Man” is produced by Eros Now and traces Modi's journey from childhood to becoming the prime minister of the world's largest democracy.

Earlier this month, the commission banned the release of a flattering movie about Modi until after voting finishes.

Days later it ordered a clampdown on NaMo TV, a channel showing 24-hour programmes on Modi rallies, speeches, and even rap songs and dance routines devoted to the leader.

The Election Commission said NaMo TV had to submit all of its content for approval.

The Hindu nationalist Modi, 68, is seeking a tough re-election after storming to power in 2014.

He often uses his humble upbringing as a tea-seller's son to strike a chord with millions of poor voters.

The election commission — often accused of being ineffective — has been flooded with complaints since campaigning started in March.

Last week, the Supreme Court told it to act tough on complaints of poll violations by political leaders.

Opinion

Editorial

By-election trends
Updated 23 Apr, 2024

By-election trends

Unless the culture of violence and rigging is rooted out, the credibility of the electoral process in Pakistan will continue to remain under a cloud.
Privatising PIA
23 Apr, 2024

Privatising PIA

FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s reaffirmation that the process of disinvestment of the loss-making national...
Suffering in captivity
23 Apr, 2024

Suffering in captivity

YET another animal — a lioness — is critically ill at the Karachi Zoo. The feline, emaciated and barely able to...
Not without reform
Updated 22 Apr, 2024

Not without reform

The problem with us is that our ruling elite is still trying to find a way around the tough reforms that will hit their privileges.
Raisi’s visit
22 Apr, 2024

Raisi’s visit

IRANIAN President Ebrahim Raisi, who begins his three-day trip to Pakistan today, will be visiting the country ...
Janus-faced
22 Apr, 2024

Janus-faced

THE US has done it again. While officially insisting it is committed to a peaceful resolution to the...