Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Sh. Anurag Agarwal stressed the importance of closely monitoring social media platforms in the state's districts. He directed the officers of the social media monitoring teams to pay special attention to social media platforms, the expenditure of advertisements on social media will be added to the account of the concerned candidate or the party.
He informed about the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, stating that just like newspapers, television, and radio, election campaigning also takes place on social media platforms, involving expenses. Teams formed in the districts under the Election Commission's guidelines will closely monitor social media during the upcoming Lok Sabha general elections and ensure that any advertisements found are reported along with the expenditure details to the monitoring team.
Based on the report, the cost of that advertisement will be added to the account of the concerned candidate or the party. The Chief Electoral Officer emphasised the significance of monitoring social media during the Lok Sabha general elections. Often, candidates and parties promote their campaigns on platforms like YouTube videos during elections.
If monitoring teams come across channels or videos supporting any candidate or political party, spreading communal content, or violating the Model Code of Conduct. In that case, action will be taken against the operator of the respective YouTube channel under the IT Act.
Media personnel should play an impartial role during elections
He stated that the Model Code of Conduct applies equally to everyone, including newspapers, television, radio, and social media. According to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, there should be equality across all media platforms during elections. News published or broadcasted in the media should not favor any particular side or go against any side.
Care should be taken to refrain from publishing or broadcasting any news that favors or opposes any religion, caste, or community. Before publishing or broadcasting any news, verification should be ensured. All candidates and parties should be given equal space. Moreover, media personnel should play an impartial role during elections, adhering to all the Election Commission of India's guidelines.