PM Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' is misuse of government machinery, says Congress

The Congress Party on Wednesday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' as an advertisement, and said his plans to deliver it this Sunday, amounts to a misuse of government machinery.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) legal cell secretary K C Mittal said it is not permissible for a party in power to use the medium of radio when the Model Code of Conduct was in place.

"It is not permissible. It is a misuse of government machinery and also it is an advertisement, which is not permissible for a party in power during the operation of model code. Therefore, it should be stopped and it should not be allowed to broadcast," Mittal told ANI.

"A delegation comprising of K C Tyagi, Pawan Verma, Manoj Jha, myself and Randeep Surjewala are going to meet the Election Commission. The appointment is fixed at 2.30 p.m. today against the 'Mann ki Baat' programme, being broadcast on 20th," he added.

Earlier, the Congress Party said that it will approach the Election Commission of India today, seeking a ban on the broadcast of Prime Minister Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program, which is scheduled to be aired on Sunday.

According to reports, the Congress is citing the Model Code of Conduct, which is presently in place for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections as the reason for opposing the 'Mann Ki Baat' program.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to share his thoughts with the nation during the 12th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' program, which will be broadcast on All India Radio on September 20.