The Election Commission has directed its Jharkhand poll chief to direct the Bharatiya Janata Party to take down a "misleading and divisive" video posted on social media.
The Commission took a serious note of complaints filed by the Congress and the JMM and sought an explanation from the state BJP for the alleged violation of the provisions of the model code of conduct.
The Congress and the JMM in their complaint had alleged that the video shared by the BJP is rife with baseless allegations and falsehoods to unduly influence voters by creating a feeling of hatred and enmity.
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"On perusal of the complaint, it appears that the above referred social media post is prima facie violative of the MCC. It is therefore, directed to take immediate action as per existing laws and procedures and thereafter direct the concerned social media platforms, through the authority designated in the State of Jharkhand under section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act to take down the referred posts immediately," the poll panel said in its order.
Meanwhile, in a separate complaint, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Jharkhand BJP of spreading "false and misleading" information on social media.
He also alleged that the BJP was indulging in a divisive campaign despite the registration of a criminal case in this regard.
The second phase of Jharkhand assembly elections will be held on November 20 while the first phase of the poll took place on November 13. The votes will be counted on November 23.
While the JMM-Congress coalition aims to retain power, the BJP hopes to make considerable inroads in the tribal-dominated state. The alleged infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals and the changing demography of the state have been the focus of the saffron party’s election campaigns.