The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has submitted the highest number of political advertisements for approval in Delhi for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, according to sources from the office of the Delhi chief electoral officer. From March 13 to May 8, the BJP filed nearly 517 applications to get approval for about 2,084 political ads.
In comparison, the Indian National Congress submitted 118 applications for 349 advertisements, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) submitted six applications for an equal number of ads. Overall, the chief electoral officer has approved 2,423 advertisements from 638 applications across all political parties. Currently, three applications from the BJP, comprising 16 advertisements, are still pending approval.
An official explained, “Political parties submit applications for running short films, creatives, and advertisements during election time. One application can contain requests for multiple advertisements and short films.”
Due to the model code of conduct (MCC) in effect during the general elections, all political parties must seek approval from the Delhi chief electoral office for any political advertisements in the city. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is responsible for removing unapproved political advertisements. As of May 13, the MCD has removed over 8.84 lakh unapproved posters, banners, hoardings, signage, and flags across all 12 zones of the civic body.
In the current elections, the AAP and Congress are contesting with a 4-3 seat-sharing arrangement, while the BJP is contesting all seats. AAP candidates are vying for the West, South, East, and New Delhi seats, whereas Congress candidates are contesting from Chandni Chowk, North-East, and North-West Delhi.
Delhi will go to the polls on May 25, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4.