Congress files EC complaint against ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain’ and other serials, claims model code violation over scenes hailing government’s schemes

The Congress party has filed a complaint against three TV serials alleging that the Government’s schemes are being promoted on them. The Maharashtra unit of the party complained to the Election Commission, calling it a case of ‘corruption’ in violation of the model code of conduct ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and demanded that the channels be banned and action taken against the makers, actors. 

READ: Amid Delay In Alliance, Congress Complaints To Delhi CEO Against AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal Accusing Him Of Violation Of Code Of Conduct

According to the party, serials like 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain', 'Tujhse Hai Raabta' and 'Kundali Bhagya', that air on two channels featured scenes hailing the Government’s flagship schemes.   

Maharashtra Congress General Secretary Sachin Sawant also shared clips of the shows in which the characters are seen talking about the benefits of the Ujjwala Gas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Mudra Yojana. 

Watch some of the videos here:  

Sawant said in a statement, as per PTI, "We approached the Election Commission seeking ban on the two channels for airing content that exalts the schemes and ruling party leaders. It violates the model code of conduct and betrays viewers.” 

Claiming that the channels might have 'received crores' for shooting the particular scenes, he requested EC to register it as a case of 'corruption' and investigate it. "Case should be filed against makers and actors of the two serials and the BJP for violating the code of conduct," he added. 

Sawant added, "The BJP is stooping to low levels day-by-day. Like Ravana from Ramayana and the Kauravas from Mahabharata, it is using illegal ways (in the election). But the truth shall prevail at the end." 

READ: Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Election Commission Books Kanhaiya Kumar For Violating The Model Code Of Conduct

Here’s the copy of the complaint submitted to the EC:

Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye, meanwhile, said that Congress was ‘politicisising’ the the issue and was quoted as saying by PTI, "The Election Commission will take a right decision on the issue."