5 days ago
Last Updated:November 18, 2024, 08:18 IST
EC has also sought an explanation from the state BJP for the alleged violation of the provisions of the model code of conduct by posting the video.
The Election Commission of India.
Taking note of a video advertisement from the Jharkhand BJP, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday directed the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to immediately ask the party to take down the said post from its official social media platforms. Additionally, the ECI issued a notice to the party to explain the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the post.
The poll body took this action following complaints from the Indian Congress (INC) and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) regarding a “misleading and malicious video" posted by BJP Jharkhand on Saturday, November 16.
The ECI’s letter to the state CEO noted that the video was shared not only on X but also on the Facebook account of the Jharkhand BJP.
In their complaint, the JMM and INC alleged that “this social media post contains a communal, malicious, and misleading video with the caption *’Poore Jharkhand ka kaya palat kar denge’*." They claimed that the post violated the provisions of the MCC, according to the ECI.
Upon reviewing the complaint, the ECI stated that the social media post appeared to prima facie violate the MCC.
“It is therefore directed to take immediate action as per existing laws and procedures. Thereafter, the concerned social media platforms should be instructed, through the designated authority in the State of Jharkhand under Section 79(3)(h) of the IT Act, to take down the referred posts immediately," the poll body stated.
The ECI also directed the state CEO to serve a notice to BJP Jharkhand, requiring them to explain the alleged violation of MCC provisions.
“The party may be directed to immediately take down the said post and any related content from social media and any other form of media," the letter stated, adding that an action-taken report should be submitted to the Commission at the earliest.
The JMM and INC, in their complaint to the ECI on Sunday, objected to the video, describing it as misleading and divisive.
The video allegedly depicted a house bearing a JMM banner and a poster featuring a figure resembling Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alongside the caption “poore Jharkhand ka kaya palat kar denge."
The video also showed hundreds of people from a particular community entering the house unannounced with the intent to reside there forcefully.
The complainants claimed that the video was rife with baseless allegations and falsehoods, aimed at influencing voters by fostering hatred and enmity against the JMM and its leaders.
The first phase of polling in Jharkhand has already concluded, while the second and final phase is scheduled for November 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23.
Location : First Published:November 17, 2024, 23:28 IST
News elections ECI Directs Jharkhand BJP To Remove 'Misleading' Video, Seeks Explanation For MCC Violation
