Maoists' misusing state media: Nepali Congress

Kathmandu, Mar 16: The Nepali Congress has urged the Election Commission to issue bold directives to the government and state-owned radio, television and newspapers to adhere to the election code of conduct while disseminating news and views about the political parties.

''The state-owned Radio Nepal, Nepal Television, the Gorkhapatra Daily and the Rising Nepal have been blatantly violating the election code of conduct through the dissemination of biased news and views,''the Kantipur quoted Nepali Congress spokesperson as saying. Even after getting warning from the EC thrice in the past, these media organisations did not stop favouring a particular political party and its leaders and spreading rumors against the others to tarnish their image, the party said.

The EC has already asked the officials of these media outlets to adhere sincerely to the election code of conduct and give equal coverage to the election campaign of all the political parties and their leaders.

Denouncing the ongoing highhandedness by the Maoist cadres against other political leaders and cadres as reported by the media, the NC urged the government to ensure law and order and take stern action against the perpetrators.

It also asked the Maoist leadership not to repeat activities that assault the spirit of the multi-party democratic exercise.

UNI