Delhi Elections 2020: CEO Receives 2 Complaints Against TV Channel For Poll Code Violation

The Delhi CEO Office has received two complaints against a TV channel alleging that it violated the model code of conduct, officials said on Tuesday. Both the complaints have been filed by some BJP leaders, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh told reporters in response to a question.

Reacting to this, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said it is an alleged attempt to intimidate the media.

"What is the issue if media collects information and presents it to the public. The Centre does not understand this much that media has the right to present information to the public. It is an attempt to intimidate the media," he claimed.

The Election Commission on Monday afternoon announced that the Delhi Assembly polls would be held on February 8 and counting on February 11, bringing into force the model code of conduct.

Singh, later said, "Both the complaints were received by his office late Monday evening, and they are being looked into."

Sources on Tuesday said the complaint was filed against "a national Hindi TV channel".

Delhi Assembly polls next month promises to be a high-stake triangular contest with the Aam Aadmi Party hoping to retain power on the plank of development and the BJP and the Congress determined to put up a spirited challenge.

Over 1.46 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the upcoming election, according to the final electoral roll published on Monday.

"The model code of conduct has come into place soon as the date for the polls were announced on Monday by the Election Commission. Representatives of various political parties were briefed yesterday and also today, on final electoral rolls and poll code and the monitoring committee for certifications of ads. Copies of electoral rolls have also been submitted to them," Singh told reporters.

He also said the civic bodies have been directed to take action as per the model code of conduct to ensure compliance.

"As per the MCC, all public advertisements like posters, banners and political references have to be removed from public buildings within 24 hours of announcement of poll dates, and removal of such material within 48 hours from other public places, and within 72 hours from private buildings seen in public view," he added.

Departments concerned have also been instructed to remove political material from websites and social media which do not conform to the poll code norms.

Nodal officers in the I-T Department, Narcotics Control Bureau, Excise Department, banks and police have also been directed to be alert.

A total of 1,46,92,136 voters - 80,55,686 males, 66,35,635 females and 815 belonging to third gender - are in the final voters list, Singh said.