Gujarat polls: EC bars BJP's TV ad featuring 'Pappu'
Ahead of state elections, the Gujarat EC has barred the BJP from airing a television ad featuring a character called "Pappu". The use of "Pappu", often used to mockingly refer to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, was derogatory, the EC said. Meanwhile, BJP claimed the word wasn't linked to anyone, and claimed that with its action, the EC had made the name "synonymous" with Gandhi.
What was the ad about?
The word "Pappu" colloquially means a simpleton. BJP leaders have often used it to slam Gandhi. Earlier this year, a Congress worker was removed from party posts after he used it to refer to the leader. Last month, the BJP submitted an ad titled 'Kirana' ('grocery') to the EC for approval: in it, a character called "Pappu" is seen visiting a grocery store.
What can the BJP do now?
When the EC objected to the name, BJP appealed again, saying the word didn't refer to any particular person, but the Commission remained adamant. Now the BJP will replace that word and re-submit the ad for approval.
#PappuCensored trends on Twitter
Meanwhile, the development started a debate on social media as #PappuCensored began trending. "#PappuCensored cuz it's derogatory but "Maut ka saudagar" was quite respectable!" tweeted @Seems3r. "If Pappu is not called Pappu then what should we call him Senior Pidi?" said @shravansheld1. Gujarat goes to polls on December 9 and 14. The results will be out on December 18.
