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India bans Modi film until after election: officials
NEW DELHI, April 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A biopic about Prime Minister
Narendra Modi described by his opponents as propaganda has been barred from
release during the national election, a government body overseeing the poll
said Wednesday.
India’s election commission said any biopic “which has the potential to
disturb the level playing field during the elections should not be
displayed”.
Under Indian election rules, the publication of any content deemed as
campaign material — including advertisements, films and even social media —
requires the election commission’s prior approval.
Congress, the main opposition party, said the film was flattering of Modi
and had slammed the timing of its cinematic release as hundreds of millions
of Indians prepare to start voting in a national election Thursday.
It had lobbied for the movie — which tells the story of the Hindu
nationalist leader’s ascent to power from his days selling tea at a train
station — be withheld from cinemas until voting in the mega-elections ends
on May 19.
The commission, in its statement outlining its decision, said it was vital
that “the power of media is not used in such a manner which affects the
general conduct” of the elections.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1608 hrs