EC Orders Immediate Removal of Political Ads Ahead of Kerala Polls

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday directed the immediate removal of political advertisements from television channels and online platforms , noting their appearance on the eve of Kerala Assembly polls scheduled for today . The instruction was circulated by the EC’s Kerala office via an official WhatsApp group comprising media organisations and journalists.

“Advertisements are appearing on channels and online platforms. This is not permitted during the silence period . It is requested that these be withdrawn immediately,” the message stated. The Commission emphasised that campaigning through public meetings, rallies, media interactions, and election-related interviews is strictly prohibited during the silence period to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders.

The EC also clarified that no individual or organisation shall display any ‘election matter’ to the public through cinematograph, television, radio, or other similar media during the 48 hours ending with the conclusion of the poll . Election matter includes any material intended or calculated to influence the result of a poll.

In addition, the Commission issued a directive to star campaigners and political leaders to refrain from addressing the media on poll-related issues during this period. Media organisations were instructed to ensure that their coverage does not vitiate the election atmosphere or give an unfair advantage to any party or candidate.

The poll panel warned that any violation of these instructions, or of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct , would be treated with extreme seriousness , attracting penal action under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 .