AAP attacks EC for not taking action against media houses for broadcasting Modi's video speech on polling day

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday attacked the Election Commission for not taking action against "erring" media houses for showing Narendra Modi's video speech on the polling day, which is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and termed it as an "ostrich approach".

"Aam Aadmi party is shocked to see the gross violation of the MCC by media houses and the ostrich approach of EC today wherein TV News channels have been broadcasting Narendra Modi s live speeches. The whole of India is aware that Modi is a contestant in Varanasi and broadcasting his political speeches today amounts to influencing the voters of Varanasi. Aam Aadmi party hopes this complaint will wake the EC from its stupor and the people will witness consummate action instantaneously," AAP said in a letter to the Election Commission.

It has also urged the Commission to take "strong" and "exemplary" action and questioned its silence against media houses. Channels of more than three media houses aired Modi's speech.

"Model Code of Conduct is applicable on all citizens of India and media houses are no exception. By not initiating suo-moto action against these media channels, is the EC indicating its submissiveness? During an election, it is the EC s bounded duty to conduct it in a free and fair manner. Why isn't the EC issuing any direction to these news channels to stop the broadcast forthwith? Why is the EC silent on this violation?" the letter added.

"We demand the EC to take strong and exemplary action against the erring TV Channels immediately and upholding its role of the sentinel of the constitution during polls," the letter added.

With polling in Varanasi underway, the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Modi, in his message, spoke about the 'Ganga Jamuna tehzeeb' of the holy city and appealed to its voters there to reflect its spirit of unity and harmony through their votes. "I appeal to people to cast their votes in the last phase of polls with the same zeal and enthusiasm they have shown so far. My brothers and sisters in Kashi, the honour of Kashi is in peace, harmony and unity. We should love each other and take everybody along," Modi said.