Take down objectionable clip, EC tells Jharkhand BJP

The Election Commission has ordered the Jharkhand BJP to remove a video posted on its social media platforms following complaints from the JMM and Congress. The video, deemed "misleading and divisive," allegedly depicts people forcefully entering a JMM supporter's home, prompting accusations of spreading falsehoods to influence voters.

NEW DELHI: Taking serious note of complaints from JMM and Congress against a "misleading and malicious" video posted by the Jharkhand BJP on its social media platforms, the EC has asked the state's poll chief to immediately direct the Jharkhand BJP to take down the post. The commission also directed the Jharkhand chief electoral officer (CEO) to seek an explanation from BJP on the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct because of the post, EC sources said. Ahead of the November 20 second phase of the Jharkhand assembly polls , JMM and Congress in their complaint to EC on Sunday had objected to the video, terming it "misleading and divisive".

The CEO has been directed to immediately take action in coordination with the designated authority under the IT Act's section 79(3)(b) to get the "objectionable" post removed, the sources said. In the video, a large group of people from a particular community are purportedly seen entering a JMM supporter's house unannounced with the intention of forcefully residing there. There was banner put up at the house that read "JMM Party" and a poster with a picture of a person who resembled Hemant Soren , and captioned "poore Jharkhand ka kaya palat kardenge".

It was alleged in the complaint that the video posted by BJP Jharkhand is rife with baseless allegations and falsehoods to unduly influence voters by creating a feeling of hatred and enmity against JMM and its leaders..