Election commission reminds houses to follow election code of conduct in Karnataka

Bengaluru 29 March 2018: As the election policy was enforced soon after the announcement of elections date was made on March 27, advertising campaigns of Political parties and politicians has been barred throughout the state.

State Election Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar said that according to the election code of conduct, there should not be any advertising campaigns through government money and if it is already being done then it must be suspended within 24 hours. He further added that the displaying of banner of government advertisement should be stopped and if already done then it must be taken down with in 24 hours else actions will be taken over it.

He further said that the election commission has also issued a warning to paid media and magazines that except commercial space, no reports shall be made regarding any political party or a particular candidate for the purpose of unilateral news and for promotion, and if such things are brought into notice then actions will be taken against those media house.

If the news media wants to advertise then the word ‘Advertisement’ or ‘Sponsored’ must be compulsorily used.

Sanjeev further said that the election commission will be conducting a one-day awareness program on informing the news media and press office about the policy and on how the definition of paid news is considered by the commission.

 On answering to the the question about the politicians who have already invested in news channel for their advertisement, Sanjeev said that commission has acknowledged that there are certain rules to identify and take action against those media as these things come under same law.