Order halting #ModiBiopic applies to #NaMoTV as well: Election Commission
The Election Commission's order on PM Narendra Modi biopic is also applicable to NaMo TV, the 24-hour channel promoting PM Modi and BJP, said sources in the poll panel. The EC, earlier in the day, stalled the Modi biopic's release until the General Elections are over, saying the film, which was to release on April 11, "would affect the level-playing field." Here's more.
NaMo TV to face restrictions ahead of LS polls
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, NaMo TV is also likely to face restrictions similar to those applied to the Modi biopic, according to NDTV. The sources also said that the EC's order applies to any channel like NaMo TV. According to paragraph 10.2 of the poll body's order, NaMo TV violates the Model Code of Conduct, reported FirstPost.
Glad the EC has taken this stand: Congress's Sanjay Jha
Welcoming the EC's order, Congress leader Sanjay Jha said, "I'm glad the Election Commission has taken this stand. It was crude propaganda and a monumental shame for the country that the ruling party indulged in actions like this."
SC dismissed Congress leader's petition seeking to stall the release
The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a Congress leader's petition seeking to stall the release of PM Modi's biopic, saying, "Too much of court time is wasted on these non-issues." The film was scheduled to release on April 11, coinciding with the Lok Sabha polls.
Modi biopic violates the Model Code of Conduct: Congress
The Congress party had earlier alleged that releasing the biopic based on PM Modi at the time of the Lok Sabha elections violates the Model Code of Conduct. However, the Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that the Election Commission should decide if the film favors the ruling BJP, violating the Model Code of Conduct as alleged by the Congress.
Potential to affect level playing field: Election Commission
The Election Commission, on its part, said, "These (biopics on politicians) have potential to affect level playing field which is in consonance with Model Code of Conduct." The EC said these films "shouldn't be displayed in electronic media including cinematograph during MCC." Earlier on Wednesday, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) issued a "U" certificate to the biopic.
No biopics on political entities in electronic media: EC
"Any biopic that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in electronic media," said the Election Commission. The EC said a panel headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or High Court will examine complaints regarding political electronic content, including films. The Commission has reportedly written to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and CBFC in this regard.
Film was earlier scheduled to release on April 5
PM Narendra Modi biopic was earlier scheduled to release on April 5. The release date was, however, deferred to April 11 later. The film in which actor Vivek Oberoi plays the role of Narendra Modi is directed by Omung Kumar.
Unsurprisingly, Vivek has been speaking good things about his movie
As the movie found itself in center of a political slugfest, Vivek defended it fiercely. He asked why was the movie's timing being questioned and said the Constitution gave him creative rights. The self-proclaimed admirer of PM Modi went as far as asking if Opposition parties were scared of "Chowkidar ka danda". Subsequently, Congress called him a flop hero of a bogus movie.
