Opposition parties including the Congress, the CPI(M) and the CPI, have approached the Election Commission (EC) seeking the postponement of the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi until the last phase of voting on May 19 is over.
The film, PM Narendra Modi, is scheduled to be released across the country in early April, close to the first phase voting beginning April 11. The film features actor Vivek Oberoi as Mr. Modi and chronicles the life of the Prime Minister.
Opposition parties have termed the release of the film a violation of the model code of conduct, and said it will influence voters.
“It is a very serious matter of directly and shamelessly circumventing the law by doing direct advertising in contravention of the Representation of the People’s Act, Cable TV Networks Act and EC circulars,” Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told The Hindu.
A separate delegation of Left leaders including CPI leader D. Raja and CPI (M) leader Nilotpal Basu made a representation to the Election Commission.