Matter to be sent to Press Council of India
Fears of the Chief Election Commission of India on the misuse of media in the form of paid news have come true. Candidates inserted news worth Rs 1.17 crore in various newspapers during th assembly elections in Punjab, despite the model code of conduct banning the practice.
After issuing notices to 339 candidates and noting down expenditure in shadow registers of 201, the Chief Electoral Officer has calculated the money spent on paid news at Rs 1,17,54,422.