Doordarshan & AIR to Broadcast Parties’ Campaigns for Free: ECI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a major step to ensure fair and equal access for political parties in the run-up to the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal . Under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the commission has issued digital vouchers granting free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR).

All recognized National and State parties contesting in the elections are eligible. Each party receives a base 45 minutes of airtime, with additional time for parties that performed well in previous elections . Parties must submit transcripts and recordings in advance , following the technical standards set by Prasar Bharati , ensuring transparent and standardized campaigning.

The telecast and broadcast period will begin from the publication date of the contesting candidates’ list and continue until two days before polling . The schedule will be finalized through a draw of lots , conducted at the State/UT level in the presence of party representatives and officials from the respective State/UT Chief Electoral Officer’s office.

In addition, Prasar Bharati Corporation will organize up to two panel discussions or debates on Doordarshan and AIR. Each eligible party can nominate one representative for these programs, which will be moderated by an approved coordinator.

This move by the ECI reinforces the principle of a level playing field, ensuring that voters across all five poll-bound States/UTs can hear directly from parties and candidates through free, state-run media platforms.