india

Updated: Dec 16, 2016 00:51 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the BJP parliamentary party meet on Friday will be telecasted live by public broadcaster Doordarshan (DD), a move that has been denounced by the Congress as a diversionary ploy.

DD officials did not comment on why a BJP event would be covered live, but sources within the right-wing party said the PM, who had recently claimed that he was not being allowed to speak in the Parliament, could use the opportunity to reach out to the people directly.

“Post demonetisation, there is a lot of concern among people on what to expect next; the PM might have a message for them. He may also want to respond to the charges levelled by the Opposition,” a BJP functionary said.

The Congress, however, was not convinced by the argument, and claimed that the live telecast of a BJP event on DD was an attempt to divert the public attention.

“This is part of their perception management, which has been badly hit by demonetisation. We have seen the government arm-twisting private channels to telecast sting operations and counter stories to divert the attention from the monumental disaster of note ban,” Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said.

Also read | Cong says Rs 2,000 note illegal, accuses PM Modi of ‘financial anarchy’