CHENNAI: Television channels were forced to stop airing a video showing J. Jayalalithaa in her hospital bed after the Election Commission of India pointed out that the broadcast was in violation of the model code of conduct.
But the damage was done already since the video went viral on social media applications like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
District election officer D. Karthikeyan said that any material that may affect the mindset of voters is a poll violation and all 256 polling stations in R K Nagar are sensitive.
Chief electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni termed the video release model code violation and said that necessary action will be taken against former MLA P. Vettrivel for releasing the controversial video. He also said that release of the video is a violation of the Representation of People Act under section 126. Former chief election commissioner N. Gopalsamy also termed the release of video as a poll violation and said that whenever there is strong evidence of cash distribution to voters resulting in poll violations, elections should be cancelled.
They telecast the visuals throughout the day. “2G verdict on the day of polling will also impact RK Nagar voters.
Will the EC stop the judges from delivering the verdict?” was the echoed sentiments of scribes in Chennai. Social media also went gaga over the Jayalalithaa hospital video.
