Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Recent incidents involving Sitaram Yechury and G Devarajan, where changes were made to their speeches aired on Doordarshan and AIR, have sparked controversy
About the use of state-funded media during polls:
| Aspect | Descriptions |
| ECI’s Allocation of Time | Since 1998, recognised political parties have been allowed to freely use state-owned television and radio during polls. |
| The ECI determines the time allotted to each recognised national and state party before the election campaign begins. | |
| National Parties: | |
| – 10 hours of telecasting time on Doordarshan’s national channel | |
| – At least 15 hours on its regional channels | |
| – 15 hours of airing on regional AIR stations | |
| – 10 hours on the national AIR | |
| State Parties: | |
| – At least 30 hours of telecasting time on the appropriate regional Doordarshan channel | |
| – AIR radio station | |
| Time Allotted for 2024 Elections: | |
| – For national parties: 4.5 hours (45 minutes each) on Doordarshan and AIR | |
| – Remaining 5.5 hours allocated based on vote share in 2019 Lok Sabha elections | |
| – Similar formulae followed for state parties | |
| ECI’s Guidelines on Speech Contents | Parties and speakers are expected to submit transcripts of speeches three to four days before recording. |
| Transcripts must be approved by concerned authorities in respective AIR and Doordarshan stations. | |
| Forbidden Speech Content: | |
| Criticism of other countries; Attack on religions or communities; Obscenity or defamation; Incitement of violence; Contempt of court; Attacks against the integrity of the President and judiciary; Statements affecting the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation; Criticism of individuals by name | |
| Concerns Raised by Opposition Leaders | According to Sitaram Yechury, censorship applied to his text is a patent denial of the right to dissent in a democracy. |
