The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Jharkhand BJP to immediately remove a controversial video advertisement from its social media platforms, citing a possible violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The directive, issued on Sunday, follows complaints lodged by the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), alleging that the video was communal, misleading, and aimed at influencing voters.
The video, shared on November 16 through the BJP Jharkhand’s accounts on platforms like X and Facebook, carried the caption “Poore Jharkhand ka kaya palat kar denge”. The JMM and INC accused the video of spreading baseless and divisive narratives, including visuals of a house displaying a JMM banner and a poster resembling Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The video also portrayed individuals from a specific community forcefully entering the house, a depiction described by complainants as false and inflammatory.
In its notice, the ECI stated that the video prima facie violated the MCC, which is in effect during the ongoing state assembly elections. “The content appears to be misleading and divisive, with the potential to harm communal harmony and influence voters,” the Commission noted.
The ECI has instructed the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure the immediate removal of the video from all platforms and serve a notice to the BJP Jharkhand, requiring an explanation for the alleged MCC breach. The Commission emphasized compliance with existing laws and procedures, including invoking Section 79(3)(h) of the IT Act to facilitate the takedown through designated authorities.
“The party is required to take down the post immediately and submit an explanation for the content in question. An action-taken report must be submitted to the Commission promptly,” the ECI directed in its official communication.
The controversy arises as Jharkhand approaches its second and final phase of polling on November 20, with the first phase having already concluded. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23. Both the JMM and INC have strongly objected to the video, describing it as a deliberate attempt to foster hatred against JMM leaders and influence the electorate through falsehoods.
The incident has added a layer of tension to the already high-stakes election, with political parties closely monitoring the ECI’s actions and their implications for campaigning in the final days of the electoral process.
