New Delhi: The Election Commission today said the demand for a ban on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme till the Bihar assembly elections are over is under consideration.
In a communication, the Commission sought to dismiss reports that it has already taken a decision in this regard.
Yesterday, reports suggested that EC had turned the demand made by JDU-RJD-Congress alliance to ban the radio programme until the elections are over.
A senior EC official said they can take “cognizance” of any such demand only after finding that the programme's contents violate the model code.
Also Read: Bihar polls: EC rules out blanket ban on PM Modi's ‘Mann Ki Baat'
“No blanket ban can be enforced on things like Cabinet meeting and Mann ki baat but the EC can take cognizance if the Cabinet decision or the content of programme is in violation of the Model Code of Conduct,” the official said.
He, however, made it clear that he was making a “matter of fact” statement and was not aware of any such demand by the Congress or any other party.
A group of Congress leaders, including Randeep Singh Surjewala, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and KC Mittal, met the Election Commission officials yesterday seeking a ban on the radio show, claiming that it's a violation of code of conduct.
If such a complaint is made, the election watchdog goes through the recording as well as transcript of the episode and takes a decision.
A similar complaint was made by Congress against the programme during the Haryana assembly polls but the EC had not found anything “objectionable”.
(With inputs from PTI)
