Naveen Jindal's complaint: Zee clarifies to poll panel

On Tuesday, Jindal had filed a complaint with the commission, saying Zee News had breached the EC's code of conduct

The Zee group on Wednesday provided a clarification against a complaint filed by Naveen Jindal, Congress Member of Parliament and chairman of Jindal Steel and Power, before the Election Commission.

On Tuesday, Jindal had filed a complaint with the commission, saying Zee News had breached the Election Commission’s code of conduct and attempted to damage his reputation. He said after the model code of conduct had come into effect, Zee News and the group’s other channels had telecast 85 news stories targeting him and his group.

The Congress MP sought a restraint on Zee News and Zee Business from broadcasting such news.

In a statement, Zee said, “Zee News covered an incident of a heated conversation between Naveen Jindal and a local craftsman, when he confronted Jindal for non-fulfilment of the promises made by him and his non-accessibility to the people of his constituency. Not only this, the bodyguards of Naveen Jindal intervened and created a ruckus when the local people were trying to question Jindal about the issues and problems prevalent in the area and remain unattended for the last so many years.”

Alok Agrawal, chief executive, Zee Media Corporation, said, “We, at Zee News, are committed towards our viewers and as a responsible news channel, it is our duty to showcase the actual news, as it is. Despite having confrontations with some large business conglomerates, we maintain the highest journalistic ethics by providing the most authentic news. We fear none, as our team comprises the best talent that maintains the highest standard of professionalism. In the past, we have received numerous awards and accolades for our various path-breaking initiatives from various organisations, including the Election Commissioner of India for our special series ‘Aapki Vote, Aapki Taqat’.”