Ban unlikely on ‘Mann Ki Baat’

New Delhi: The Election Commission is likely to reject a demand by the Congress and its partners in the Bihar “grand secular alliance” for a ban on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regular ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio programme.

It is learnt that the commission has said no “blanket ban” can be imposed on the programme, and that it can take “cognisance” of any such demand only if it finds that the contents violated the model code imposed ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

The Congress and its allies had approached the Election Commission to seek a ban on the PM’s radio talk show, alleging that it violated the model code. A delegation of the three-party alliance comprising the JD(U), RJD and the Congress met the commission on Wednes-day with the plea to stop the broadcast.

“Permitting the PM to organise the Mann ki Baat programme would be giving a completely unfair advantage to the BJP and will upset the level-playing field..., the alliance members said in their petition. While the poll watchdog is yet to firm up its decision, EC sources indicated that no “blanket ban” can be imposed on the programme.