NaMo TV is India's answer to Kim Jong-un: Mehbooba Mufti

NaMo TV The NaMo TV logo | Twitter handle of Narendra Modi

The newly launched TV channel NaMo TV, which claims to be dedicated solely to covering events and speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been facing severe criticism following its launch on March 31.

Critics have alleged the Modi government flouted norms to give permission to and support NaMo TV, with the aim of reaping electoral benefits for the BJP. Modi himself had promoted NaMo TV in tweet on March 30. The channel's logo features an image of Modi.

On Thursday, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti became the latest leader to attack NaMo TV. In a tweet responding to satirist Akash Banerjee, Mufti referred to the controversy over NaMo TV as “India’s answer to Kim Jong Un”.

Critics have slammed the Modi government for allowing NaMo TV to function in a bid to further coverage of the prime minister and drawn references to the personality cult promoted by North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un and his predecessors.

Several media reports have alleged NaMo TV was launched without adhering to procedures. The Print reported on Wednesday that NaMo TV had not obtained a broadcast licence or security clearance, which are mandatory for TV channels. On the same day, PTI reported the Election Commission had sought a report from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on NaMo TV after receiving multiple complaints from opposition parties. The ministry has been given time till Friday evening to respond.

The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have complained about NaMo TV, claiming it is illegal for a political party to launch a channel after the Model Code of Conduct was in effect.

Despite the outrage over NaMo TV, the BJP continues to promote the channel. In a tweet on Thursday morning, the BJP informed NaMo TV would broadcast live all events of party chief Amit Shah.

Several major DTH networks are offering NaMo TV as a free channel. Some social media users have complained they are receiving NaMo TV despite not subscribing to the channel and were not able to have it removed.