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Election Commission bars BJP from using the term 'Pappu' in Gujarat elections

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Nov 15, 2017, 07:25 AM IST
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The term is often used to describe Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons) Photograph:(Others)

The Election Commission(EC) has put restrictions on the use of the term "Pappu" by BJP's electronic advertisement cell in Gujarat. 

The ruling BJP has been barred from using the term "Pappu" in their electronic advertisement for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. 

The term is often used to describe Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Calling the term "derogatory" the Election Commission in Gujarat has asked to remove or replace it. 

The media committee under the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) objected to the word "pappu" which was mentioned in the BJP's script of advertising, BJP sources cited. The script was submitted to the media committee for approval.

Clarifying itself, the BJP said the script of the advertisement did not "link the word to any individual". 

A BJP leader said that they asked the Election Commission to reconsider their decision as there was no direct reference to any person with the term. However, the request was rejected by the EC.

The leader later assured to replace the word and submit a new script to the Election Commission. 

All political parties need to submit their script related to the election advertisement to the EC. The parties can continue with the advertisement only after they get a certificate of approval from the commission.