The Election Commission on Monday issued guidelines to political parties advising them against attacking religions and communities during their radio broadcast and TV telecast for campaigning through public broadcasters like Doordarshan and All India Radio. The poll regulator also came out with the time schedule for the parties for the upcoming Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana.
The Commission categorically stated that political parties will be required to submit transcripts and recording of the broadcast and telecast. "The parties can get this recorded at their own cost in studios, which meet the technical standards prescribed by the Prasar Bharati Corporation or at the Doordarshan/All India Radio Kendra," it said.
"A base time of 45 minutes will be given to each national party and recognised State party (recognised in respect of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh & Mizoram) uniformly on the regional kendras of Doordarshan network and All India Radio network in the above mentioned States and Union Territories," the EC said. In a single session of broadcast, no party will be allocated more than 15 minutes.
The EC has imposed complete prohibition on broadcasting or propagating election-related material on TV, Radio or even Newspapers. Any such material influencing the voters would not be permissible during the 48 hours before the poll in any constituency.
"Advising television, radio channels and cable networks to stop broadcasting any material that could effect the prospect of any candidate or influence election result, the poll body writes, "During elections, there are sometimes allegations of violation of the provisions of the above Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 by TV channels in the telecast of their panel discussions/debates and other news and current affairs programmes," it said.
However, any advertisement being published in the newspapers on February 3 and 4 requires prior permission or certification from the EC, he said, adding that all electronic media advertisements, except the bulk SMS, IVRS and social media are banned for broadcasting during the last 48 hours ending with poll.
The elections in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases on November 12 and 20. The other four states will go to polls in a single phase. Voting in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram will be held on 28 November while voting in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.