NEW DELHI – India’s poll watchdog Saturday ordered producers to stopstreaming a web series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, weeks after itbanned a Bollywood film and clamped down on a TV channel devoted to theright-wing premier.
The Election Commission of India — an autonomous body tasked withoverseeing the world’s biggest democratic exercise — said the online webseries was in violation of its rules.
Under Indian election regulations, the publication of any content which isdeemed as campaign material or propaganda is not allowed during the votingperiod.
Any political advertising must also be approved by the election authoritiesso that all spending is accounted for.
India’s mammoth six-week vote began on April 11 and will run until May 19,with results due on May 23.
When it ordered a halt to the streaming of the online series, thecommission said any biopic material which has the “potential to disturb thelevel playing field” should not be displayed until after the polls haveclosed.
The series, titled “Modi: Journey of a Common Man” is produced by Eros Nowand traces Modi’s journey from childhood to becoming the prime minister ofthe world’s largest democracy.
Earlier this month, the commission banned the release of a flattering movieabout Modi until after voting finishes.
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Days later it ordered a clampdown on NaMo TV, a channel showing 24-hourprogrammes on Modi rallies, speeches, and even rap songs and dance routinesdevoted to the leader.
The Election Commission said NaMo TV had to submit all of its content forapproval.
The Hindu nationalist Modi, 68, is seeking a tough re-election afterstorming to power in 2014.
He often uses his humble upbringing as a tea-seller’s son to strike a chordwith millions of poor voters.
The election commission — often accused of being ineffective — has beenflooded with complaints since campaigning started in March.
Last week, the Supreme Court told it to act tough on complaints of pollviolations by political leaders. -APP/AFP
