Mumbai The Maharashtra Congress Committee has taken strong objection to ‘Zee TV’ and ‘& TV’ for promoting PM Narendra Modi-led government schemes through daily soaps and demanded action against these two entertainment channels.
Party spokesperson Sachin Sawant registered an official complaint against these channels with the Chief Election Officer (CEO) on Monday and demanded action against the producer and director of the specific TV shows.Sawant on Monday met the CEO and pointed out how ‘Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai’ and Tujhse Hai Raabta’ have violated the poll code of conduct.
The Congress party spoke-sperson pointed out that these and other daily soaps are wilfully promoting government policies and schemes to benefit the BJP. “Since the past few weeks, the BJP is using all deceptive and illegal means to influence voters and tele serials with high TRP ratings are being used for this purpose.
There are no disclaimers that these are ‘advertisements’, thereby cheating the viewers too,” Sawant said. He said schemes like Mudra Yojana, Swachcha Bharat Abhiyaan and others are being embedded as scenes in tele serials to project these as ‘key achievements’ of the government.
“We also submitted video clips of these tele serials in which the actors are seen indirectly campaigning for BJP’s various schemes and policies. We feel this methodology directly fits the definition of ‘Paid News’ and is hence liable for action,” Sawant urged.
Besides, the Congress teams are also scanning other popular tele serials on several entertainment channels in Hindi and vernacular languages to ascertain the extent of the surreptitious campaign taken up by BJP through this medium, he said. “Sensing imminent defeat, the BJP is stooping to the lowest possible level with such tactics. We have demanded action against channel owners as well as producers, directors, actors and BJP,” Sawant said.
