India poll body watchdog orders Modi TV channel clampdown

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Indian election officials have ordered a clampdown on a television channel devoted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi which they say breaches campaign rules.

As the country of 1.3 billion people embarks on its huge vote, the Election Commission said NaMo TV, which is sponsored by Modi's right-wing party, had to submit all of its content for approval.

Under Indian election rules, any content deemed campaign material, including adverts, films and even social media, needs permission from the election body.

India votes in world's biggest election. /Reuters Photo

The order made late Thursday was the commission's second blow to the Modi re-election campaign in 48 hours, after it postponed the release of a flattering movie about the 68-year-old prime minister until after voting finishes.

NaMo TV, offered free on multiple television platforms, shows 24-hour programs on Modi rallies, speeches, and even rap songs and dance routines devoted to the normally austere leader. It was being broadcast as normal on Friday.

The Election Commission of India, an autonomous body which oversees the six-week voting marathon that began Thursday, said NaMo TV had flouted election rules which aim to provide a level playing field for political parties.

Leaders of India's main opposition parties join their hands together during "United India" rally ahead of the general election, Kolkata, January 19, 2019. /Reuters‍ Photo

It said that the channel is "sponsored" by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and "all political advertisements and recorded programs with political contents are mandatorily required to be pre-certified" before they can be shown.

On Wednesday, the commission said Modi biopic "PM Narendra Modi," which tells of the Hindu nationalist leader's ascent from selling tea at a train station to prime minister, could not be released during the election.

The producers had insisted they have no links to the BJP.

(Cover image: As election looms, Modi's popularity wanes in rural India. /Reuters Photo)

Source(s): AFP