The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued a directive concerning the advertisements by the Karnataka Government in poll-bound Telangana during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period. It found that Karnataka Government ads publicising achievements are in violation of instructions for obtaining prior approval. The Commission noted a violation of the MCC's spirit, stating, "The Commission has observed that certain advertisements highlighting welfare schemes and achievements of the Central Government and State Governments are being published by some non-poll going State Governments, in the editions of newspapers in the States where elections are going on."
"The Commission has examined its own records and found that neither such approval was granted by the Commission as required under above mentioned instruction nor any such application from the State of Karnataka is found pending for decision. The said act of giving advertisements highlighting the welfare schemes and achievements of Government by the Government of Karnataka in newspapers having circulations in poll going State of Telangana is in gross violation of the Commission's above directions," the ECI mentioned.
The directive, prompted by representations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi, sought the Karnataka government's response in the matter, "Explain the circumstances which led to the violation of the Commission's aforesaid MCC instructions on the part of the Government. The explanation should reach the Commission by 28th November 2023, 5:00 pm."
The EC further directed to stop any such advertisements in Telangana immediately, pending necessary approvals from the Commission. Additionally, the Commission sought an explanation regarding why disciplinary action is not directed against the Secretary-in-charge of the Department of Information and Public Relations for the violations of procedure.
Telangana Election 2023: BJP's Complaint To ECI On Karnataka Govt's Ads
This comes after Union Minister Bhupender Yadav led a delegation from the BJP that submitted a complaint to the ECI. Yadav highlighted the Karnataka government's alleged publishing of advertisements in Telangana media as a "corrupt practice aimed at influencing polls."
He condemned the Congress, asserting, "What the Congress has done is using public money to influence elections in another state." He called for legal action gainst Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other members of his government and the Congress.
The BJP's complaint cited the MCC as it noted that advertisements highlighting welfare schemes and government achievements in non-polling states, where elections are underway, are considered a violation.
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