Voicing concerns over the airing of programmes involving singers and other politically affiliated personalities, the Election Commission has virtually ordered to put them off-air.
The Election Commission of India has, in fact, submitted a list to the Prasar Bharti asking the Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR) not to assign any programme to the singers who are either contesting elections or have allegiance to any political party in the poll bound States, including Punjab.
It has been learnt that the Commission has named renowned Punjabi folk singer Hans Raj Hans, who is a BJP member, besides Satwinder Bitti — Congress candidate from Sahnewal, KS Makhan from Akali Dal, Mohammad Sadiq — Congress candidate from , Miss Pooja—a BJP leader, Balkar Sidhu and Jassi Jasraj from AAP.
The poll watchdog has maintained that political parties could not influence the voters by using their voice or art. At the same time, poll panel’s advisory was silent on stand-up comedians Bhagwant Mann and Gurpreet Ghuggi, along with actor Gul Panag who all are active AAP members, besides Harbhjan Mann, who owe allegiance to Akali Dal.
Election Commission has always treaded cautiously in selecting the singers or other personalities for its campaigns to generate awareness among electorates. In Punjab, the Commission has selected prominent Punjabi singer Gurdas Mann as brand ambassador for Punjab polls. Earlier, it was comedian actor director Japal Bhatti.
“We have to make sure that any personality we are commissioning is not linked with any political party in anyway,” a senior Punjab’s election official told The Pioneer.
“In the similar way, we also have to ensure that such personalities, who are either contesting elections or have connection with political parties, be given air space as it would be a violation of mode code of conduct. This is to ensure the level playing field to all,” added the election official.