Wed Nov 20 09:55:23 UTC 2024: ## Shinde Sena Faces EC Scrutiny Over Alleged Surrogate Ads in Marathi Serials
**Mumbai –** The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a 24-hour notice to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, demanding an explanation for allegedly using Marathi television serials to run covert campaign advertisements. The notice, prompted by a complaint filed by Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, alleges that serials like “Matichya Chuli” and “Premacha Chaha” on Star Pravah channel featured surrogate advertisements promoting the Shinde Sena. The ECI suspects the party may have paid for these ads, violating the Model Code of Conduct’s strict rules on transparent campaign financing. The notice specifically questions whether the display of the party’s street advertisements within the serials constituted a hidden form of campaign spending, thereby exceeding permissible expenditure limits and failing to declare such expenses. The ECI will investigate whether these actions constitute a breach of electoral regulations.
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