48-hour ban on SMS campaigning draws political ire in Bangalore

The new order banning SMS, TV and newspaper campaigning 48 hours before the civic polls issued by the state election commission (SEC) on Sunday has not gone down well with political parties.

The ruling BJP party condemned the SEC directive. “The directive is against the spirit of democracy. Political parties are free to advertise in the visual and print media. The SEC has no power to issue directions. It should withdraw such directions immediately. At least, the ban should be only for 24 hours, instead of 48 hours,” state BJP president KS Eshwarappa told mediapersons on Monday.

“We are already running short of time, and now the SEC has banned even SMS campaigns 48 hours before the polls. This is very unfortunate for candidates. The party strongly condemns the order and we have written to the SEC requesting its withdrawal immediately, as candidates need to reach out to the people in a short span of time,” Eshwarappa said.

City in-charge minister R Ashok also condemned the circular stating that such a restriction was not imposed even during the MP and MLA elections.

“I wonder why the election commission has issued such a circular. It is unrealistic and unfair for candidates, especially when there is hardly any time for campaigning. We demand that the SEC revoke this direction,” Ashok said.

The Congress and JD(S), too, have demanded that the SEC withdraw this guideline as it would affect their campaigns.