EC tells Eros Now to take down PM web series

The Election Commission (EC) has asked Eros Now to immediately stop online streaming of “Modi – Journey of a Common Man”, a web-series based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life, and remove all content linked to the series from its platform.

The EC on Saturday wrote to Eros Now citing its April 10 order barring screening of biopics on politicians during the election period. The commission directed Eros Now “to stop forthwith the online streaming and remove all connected content of the web series titled Modi-Journey of a Common Man till further orders”.

Directed by Umesh Shukla, the web series has been produced by Eros Motion Pictures and Benchmark Pictures. 

In its letter to Eros Now, the EC said it was apparent that the web-series showcased “the different phases of life” of the incumbent Prime Minister, “from childhood to becoming a national leader”.

Referring to its April 10 order barring screening of any political film, which could disturb the level-playing field during the elections, the EC noted in its letter that Modi was not only a prime minister and a political leader, but also a prospective candidate in the Lok Sabha polls. As a result, the web-series on his life should not be run when the Model Code of Conduct was in force.

The poll panel’s April 10 order had stalled the screening of “PM Narendra Modi” — a biopic on the prime minister— after the Congress and other opposition parties moved the EC, arguing that it might help the ruling BJP.