960406

EC objects to projection of Rao on Doordarshan

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission is understood to have taken exception to the projection of Indian Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao over Doordarshan in violation of the model code of conduct before the polls.

Chief Election Commissioner, T.N. Seshan, is understood to have discussed the issue with information and Broadcasting Secretary, S.Gopalan, and conveyed the Commission's displeasure over telecasting short promotional capsules highlighting the achievements of the Rao Government.

Rao's picture is also shown prominently in the background of these capsules which the opposition parties had also earlier complained about to the Commission. The three-member Commission, at its meeting recently, considered the issue and is said to be issuing instructions to the authorities concerned about the need to exercise caution in this regard.

The Congress (I) government is manipulating the services of the electronic media to boost not only its sagging image but also to present Narasimha Rao as a "hero" who has salvaged India's prestige. However, the programmes being telecast carry inflated and fabricated stories, observers add.-Reuter