(Eds: Recasting overnight story)Ahmedabad, Nov 15 (PTI) The Election Commission hasbarred the ruling BJP in Gujarat from using the word "Pappu"in an electronic advertisement, which apparently targetedCongress vice president Rahul Gandhi, calling it "derogatory".
"Pappu" is perceived as a social media slur coined totarget Gandhi.
Confirming the development, sources in the BJP said thescript of the advertisement did not link the word to anyindividual.
According to BJP sources, the media committee under theGujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) objected to the wordmentioned in the script of the advertisement which wassubmitted by the party for approval last month.
"Before making any election-related advertisement, wehave to submit a script to the committee to get a certificate.
However, they raised objection to the word 'Pappu', saying itis derogatory. They asked us to remove or replace it," asenior BJP leader said.
He said the party will replace the word and submit a newscript for the EC's approval.
"Since there was no direct mention or linkage with anyperson while mentioning 'Pappu' in the entire script, we hadappealed to the committee to reconsider their decision, butthey rejected it. Now, we will change that word and submit anew script for approval," he said.
When contacted, Gujarat CEO BB Swain said he was notaware of any such development and can comment only aftergetting the details. PTI PJT PD NSK SKDIP.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.