New Delhi:
The Congress has written a letter to the Election Commission alleging that a recent interview of Narendra Modi that aired on Hindi news channel India TV's 'Aap ki Adalat' programme was "paid news."
Here's the full text of the letter:
The Chief Election Commissioner
And his companion Election Commissioners
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road,
New Delhi
Reg: 'Aap Ki Adalat' programme of Shri Narendra Modi shown on India TV dated 12/4/2014 at 10 PM and repeat telecast on 13/04/2014.
Dear Sir,
Your kind attention is drawn to the telecast by India TV on 12.04.2014 and 13.04.2014, of programme ' Aap Ki Adalat', which was in utter disregard and violation of Model Code and guidelines issued by the Hon'ble Commission.
The anchor of the said programme was a well known journalist Shri Rajat Sharma and in chair as a judge was Dr. Puspesh Pant. The programme was calculated, conceived and comprehended by and on behalf of BJP and Shri Modi for electoral gains. It was scribed for Shri Modi, the BJP prime ministerial candidate. The hall was full with like-minded audience, who on the entry of Shri Modi started raising slogans by shouting Modi, Modi, Modi.
The programme was designed in a manner for election campaign for Shri Modi and BJP and not as a news item or routine programme. The sole purpose, as can be concluded from tone and tenor of the questions put to him, and the entire programme, was to give unfair and urdue electoral advantage to Shri Modi. It is also noted that veteran journalist Shri Qumar Wahid Nakvi who was holding a senior position in India TV has resigned, in protest against the programme, which would further the manner of misuse of the Channel by BJP and Shri Modi for their election propaganda. Such programme are contrary to the guidelines of the Commission.
The aforementioned managed the show acquitting Shri Narendra Modi from all allegations, giving deceptive information to the public at large, being in total violation of the model code of conduct laid down and the instructions of the Commission. It is not only a paid news but total misuse of the Channel by BJP for their election campaign.
It is requested to take stern action against BJP and Shri Modi for violation of the MCC and the instructions of the Commission and the entire expense for the programme may be included in the expenditure account of Shri Modi.
Yours sincerely,
(K C Mittal)