CPI(M) Leader Appeals for MCC Exemption for Print Media Ads

Senior CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami has urged the Election Commission to allow print media to carry advertisements during the Model Code of Conduct period due to financial challenges faced by the industry in Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized the critical role of media in democracy and the severe impact on revenues due to ad suspensions.

Senior CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami on Monday requested the Election Commission to permit print media to carry advertisements during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Jammu & Kashmir, citing financial hardships faced by the industry.

Tarigami, in his letter to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, highlighted that the suspension of advertisements related to development since the announcement of polls has severely impacted the already struggling print media sector.

He pointed out that government advertisements serve as a critical revenue source and their suspension during the MCC has exacerbated the difficulties for the print media, which also suffered significant losses during the recent Parliamentary elections. Tarigami appealed to the EC for an exemption to ensure the sustainability of the print media and their vital role in democracy, particularly during elections.