Govt asks IPL to ban tobacco, alcohol advertising
New Delhi (PTI): The Union Health Ministry has urged the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, within stadium premises during matches as well as telecast sessions on national television, saying it has a moral obligation to promote public health.
The government's request came ahead of the IPL season starting March 22.
In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also urged him to prohibit the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities.
The letter also stressed discouraging promotion of sportspersons, including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco.
The letter, which was also marked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, stated that India is experiencing a significant burden of non communicable diseases- cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. which account for more than 70 per cent deaths annually.
"Tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors for NCDs. We rank second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide; with nearly 14 lakh annual deaths while alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians," it said.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) being India's most viewed sports event, direct or indirect promotion of tobacco/alcohol on any platform linked to sports sends a contradictory message to the public about health and fitness, the letter underlined.
"Therefore, IPL should strictly implement the regulations regarding --banning all forms of tobacco/alcohol advertising, including surrogate advertisements, within the stadium premises where the games and related IPL games/events are held as well as during telecast sessions on national television;the sale of tobacco/alcohol products in all affiliated events and sports facilities..."
The letter observed that cricket players are role models for the youngsters for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
"The IPL, being the largest sports platform in the country, has a social and moral obligation to promote public health and support health initiatives of the government," it said.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
