Election Commission bans BJP theme song composed by Union Minister Babul Supriyo

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign song composed by Union Minister Babul Supriyo would not be allowed to be played anywhere. The development comes just a few days ahead of the first phase of voting on April 11. "Firstly, the theme song was not pre-certified for which we had informed the Commission. Also, the song is being played in different places so there are instructions for stopping it," Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Basu told reporters.

Asserting that not seeking prior permission from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) is a violation of the model code of conduct, Basu said that the BJP member who had applied for the song's certification has been conveyed the poll panel’s decision.

The BJP had submitted the lyrics of the song for permission after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led-Trinamool Congress had filed a complaint regarding the content of the song. Later, the EC had asked the BJP to submit a revised version.

Earlier, Asansol MP Babul Supriyo was slapped a show cause notice by the EC for not taking permission from it before releasing a video of the campaign song on social media.

Meanwhile, sources in the CEO's office said seven companies of central forces have been sent to two constituencies Coochbehar and Alipurduar scheduled go to polls in the first phase on April 11.

Special Central Police Observer for the state Vivek Dubey met Director General of Police Virendra and ADG (Law and Order) Siddhi Nath Gupta during the day and discussed poll preparedness, the sources said.