New Delhi: Congress has sought stern action against BJP for an interview that was aired on Hindi news channel India TV. Congress alleged the interview was “paid news†and a violation of EC code of conduct.
In a letter to the Election Commission, it said BJP putting immense pressure on journalists and media houses. “It was more of an advertisement and propaganda of BJP’s electoral campaign,†it said.  Pointing out that the audience was shouting slogans in support of Modi, Congress has demanded the cost of the show be included in Modi’s electoral expenses.
“The sole purpose, as can be concluded from tone and tenor of the questions put to him, and the entire programme, was to give unfair and undue electoral advantage to Modi.â€
Congress also alleged that Qumar Wahid Nakvi, a senior journalist at the channel which aired the interview, has resigned “in protest against the programme.” It said the interview was in “utter disregard” and violation of the model code of conduct and guidelines issued by the commission.
However, management sources said the Modi interview was just an alibi for Naqvi when actually he was under pressure for lack of performance. India TV in an official statement confirmed that its editorial director had resigned. Ritu Dhawan, India TV’s MD & CEO, said, “We are surprised at the reasons being attributed to it in the social media. Such reasons are baseless, and we condemn the effort being made to use it for political gains.”
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