New Delhi: A Congress delegation on Monday met Election Commission of India to protest against the Vivek Oberoi-starrer PM Modi’s biopic alleging that the film’s release slated just ahead of the commencement of Lok Sabha polls is a violation of the model code of conduct.
The Congress delegation, included Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kapil Sibal, and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, also sought a ban on the release of the biopic, ahead of the voting schedule. Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said: “The purpose of the film is only political to get extra mileage in the elections. We believe it is not just a corrupt practice but the launch of the film is motivated,” said Kapil Sibal.
“Three of the producers belong to the BJP and director Sandeep Singh is involved in vibrant Gujarat. The actor Vivek Oberoi is also of BJP,” said Sibal. Sibal said that the release of the film doesn’t provide level playing field in elections to the political parties. “The whole purpose is to gain political advantage. This is volatile of all norms. It is no artistic venture but a political venture. We told the Election Commission that it should not be allowed. It doesn’t allow a level playing field and violates the spirit of article 324 of the constitution. It also violates the cable network rule and section 126 of the representation of peoples act,” said Sibal.
“We requested EC to give a reasoned order so that we may know why our representation is either rejected or accepted,” he added. Vivek Oberoi-starrer ‘PM Narendra Modi’ is based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The film was previously scheduled to release on April 12, a day after the completion of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, but has now been preponed to April 5. The 2019 general elections will be held from April 11 to May 19. The first phase will cover 91 constituencies across 20 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.
‘PM Narendra Modi’ was launched on January 7 in Mumbai by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The film went on floors on January 28 in Modi’s home state Gujarat. It is also being shot at several other locations across Delhi and Uttarakhand. The film will traverse the journey of Modi from his humble beginnings to his years as a chief minister and finally his landmark election as the Prime Minister.
