Ban PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' till Bihar polls are over: Congress to tell EC

Ban PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' till Bihar polls are over: Congress to tell EC

New Delhi: The main opposition party, Congress is likely to ask the Election Commission to ban  
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popular radio show "Mann ki Baat" till the Bihar elections are over, media reports said on Wednesday.

The Congress claims that PM Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' violates the Model Code of Conduct which is in force in Bihar.

However, reports quoting sources in the Election Commission said that the show cannot be stopped.

Meanwhile, JD(U) has also called for banning the show as it is likely to influence the voters in Bihar.

PM is doing politics through his 'Mann ki Baat', it is blatant misuse of power, said Ali Anwar of JD(U).

The developments come at a time when Prime Minister Modi today urged people to record voice messages for 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The next edition of the programme will be broadcast this Sunday.

In a tweet, Modi said, it is interesting effort by @mygovindia, which enables listeners to join this week's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.

Urging the people to continue sending messages, Modi said that he had heard some of the voice messages and they were unique.

The My Gov platform, had earlier invited people to record messages in either Hindi or English, for 'Mann Ki Baat' on the toll-free number 1800 3000 7800.

The Prime Minister interacts with citizens on one Sunday a month on radio, detailing his government's initiatives, usually on a single theme.  

With the announcement of Assembly Elections in Bihar, a Model Code of Conduct is now in place that forbids policy or any other announcement that might serve to influence voters.

However, the poll panel sources said, "The programme can't be stopped. If Mann ki Baat has something to influence voters in Bihar, the Election Commission will examine."

The sources said during the Delhi and Maharashtra elections, such a ban was discussed, but it was felt that the show addressed an all-India audience.

Elections will be held in Bihar over five phases beginning October 12. Votes will be counted on November 8.