Pune: Former BJP Corporator Receives Notice for Unauthorized Social Media Campaigning

Pune’s District Election Officer and Collector, Dr. Suhas Diwase, has taken action against former BJP Corporator Amol Balwadkar for conducting political campaigning on social media without proper authorization.

Dr. Diwase issued a show cause notice to Balwadkar on April 5, emphasizing that political advertisements on social media platforms must receive approval from the District Level Media Certification and Control Committee. The notice highlights that Balwadkar’s actions are in violation of the Indian Representation of the People Act and the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act.

Balwadkar, a former corporator from the Bharatiya Janata Party representing Baner, had released a political advertisement on his Facebook page. Upon noticing this, the District Information Officer and Member Secretary of the District Level Media Verification and Control Committee were alerted, leading to the initiation of action against Balwadkar.

The notice specifically points out that Balwadkar proceeded with the political advertisement on social media without obtaining prior certification from the committee. It emphasizes the necessity for certification by the District Level Media Certification and Control Committee before broadcasting or publishing political advertisements or content on social media platforms.

Moreover, the notice mandates the immediate cessation of advertisements on social media until the verification process is completed. Balwadkar has been called upon to provide an explanation for his actions and faces potential repercussions for the unauthorized campaigning.