Hyderabad: BJP MP Dr K Laxman said that for the past 40 years, the live telecast of Sita Rama Kalyanam from Bhadradri has never been affected by the election code. In 2014, the election schedule was announced on March 5, notification was issued on March 20, and results were declared on May 16. The election code was in force until May 18. Despite this, the Sri Rama Navami Utsavams in Bhadradri took place on April 8, 2014, with the live telecast of Sitharama Kalyanam continuing as usual.
Laxman pointed out that no state government in the past had sought permission from the Election Commission for live telecast of Sita Rama Kalyanam. The EC has never imposed restrictions on such broadcasts. In 2019, elections in the state were held from April 11 to 19, with results announced on April 23. The election code was enforced from March 5 to May 26, 2019, but again there were no restrictions on the live telecast.
Laxman questioned whether important Hindu festivals like Tirumala Brahmotsavams and Pushkarams should also be stopped and not televised during election periods. He raised concerns about potentially sacrificing Hindu festivals and traditions for the sake of elections.
