The Election Commission on Tuesday decided not to telecast a poll awareness video, featuring Sourav Ganguly, following a request from the former Indian cricket captain himself. The decision comes in the wake of a Trinamool Congress complaint against the EC roping in Ganguly as a brand ambassador for the coming West Bengal Assembly elections. The Trinamool raised objection, citing his alleged affiliation with the Communist Party of India (Marxist). “Mr. Ganguly had written to us seeking relief from the promo as he expressed unhappiness over the controversy about his alleged political involvement. Giving respect to his sentiments and emotions, the Commission has decided not to telecast the video,” Akshay Rout, EC Director-General (Information, Education and Communication), told journalists here.
The Trinamool, producing a video CD in support of its allegation, had said Ganguly was closely associated with certain CPI(M) ministers and leaders. The debate hot up further after the Urban Development Minister Ashok Bhattacharya claimed that Ganguly would campaign for him.
Mr. Rout said the EC was happy with Ganguly voluntarily agreeing to be its brand ambassador: “He is not only a cricketing icon, but a national icon. The Commission is grateful to him for the positive response he showed to our appeal. Unfortunately, a controversy has cropped up after a political party complained about his political involvement.”
Earlier, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta said no proof of Ganguly's political affiliation was found on examining the Trinamool evidence.
Rejecting reports of a difference of opinion between the EC and the CEO over the issue, Mr. Rout said the decision is “unanimous.”
“We have found no political involvement of Mr. Ganguly in the evidence provided, but to show respect to his emotions, we have decided to withdraw the promo-video. We can use it for some other purpose.” Meanwhile, promotional videos featuring skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and percussionist Bickram Ghosh will be used by the State Election Commission to raise awareness among voters of the need to cast their vote.
