Election Commission Approves AAP's ModifiedCampaign Songfor 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

The Delhi Chief Election Commissioner's office has given the green light to the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP)modified campaign song, "Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se," for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. The song, penned and sung by AAP MLA Dilip Pandey, faced an initial ban on April 28 due to alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct and advertising codes.

Why this matters: The approval of AAP's campaign song highlights the delicate balance between free speech and electoral regulations in India's democratic process. This development also underscores the significance of campaign materials in shaping public opinion and influencing voter behavior duringelections.

Following the ban, Delhi poll body officials clarified that AAP was instructed to modify the song's contents, which contained "slanderous" phrases, criticism of the ruling party based on unverified facts, and aspersions cast on the judiciary and police. The party resubmitted its proposal with the necessary modifications, leading to the song's approval on May 3.

Reacting to the approval, Dilip Pandey stated on X (formerly Twitter), "Truth can be troubled, not defeated! 'Jail ka Jawab Vote se' is not just a campaign song of AAP but it is the essence of the sentiment going on in the minds of the common people of the country. That is why, in the end, truth prevailed and the Election Commission approved the use of the campaign song in the elections. Satyamev Jayate!"

The Delhi CEO's office confirmed that the song was revised to comply with the Advertising Codes prescribed under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, and Election Commission guidelines. The modifications ensured that the song adhered to the necessary standards for campaign materials.

In a related development, AAP's New Delhi candidate Somnath Bharti resigned from several prominent positions, including membership of the Delhi Development Authority, vice-chairmanship of the Delhi Jal Board, and a non-official membership of the Board of Visitors to Delhi Prisons. Bharti's decision to step down from these roles comes ahead of his nomination filing for the Lok Sabha election on Saturday, in an effort to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

The approval of AAP's modified campaign song marks a significant step forward for the party as they prepare for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. With the song now cleared for use, AAP can focus on spreading its message and connecting with voters through this musical medium.

Key Takeaways

• AAP's modified campaign song "Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se" gets approval from Delhi Chief Election Commissioner's office.
• Song was initially banned on April 28 due to alleged violations of Model Code of Conduct and advertising codes.
• AAP modified the song to remove "slanderous" phrases and criticism of ruling party, judiciary, and police.
• Song's approval highlights delicate balance between free speech and electoral regulations in India.
• AAP can now use the song to spread its message and connect with voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.