The 42-metre high India Gate, one of the most iconic parts of the city, would have for many television channels been the ideal backdrop to announce the results of the Lok Sabha elections here on Friday. Yet, media houses have had to settle for the next best option, Connaught Place, to announce the results of one of the most closely contested elections in recent times.
For a rent of Rs. 40,000 per day which goes into the New Delhi Municipal Council’s coffers, two leading channels have already hired the Palika Bazaar rooftop and the expanse of Central Park which is home to a giant National Flag to hold their election shows.
“A leading news channel approached us early enough to request that we allow them to broadcast their show from CP,” said an NDMC official. “We suggested alternative sites such lawns outside Press Club and Jantar Mantar but they were keen on CP,” he said.
With the culture of news presentation shifting focus to more on-site coverage over studio shows, the Connaught Place area will also naturally attract more crowds, said the official. Yet, just a NDMC nod will not do. Both the Delhi Election Commission and the Delhi Police have also to give their approval.
Last year, a leading Hindi TV channel held a chat show on the lawns that drew large crowds leaving the police with quite a task to handle.
