Kolkata/IBNS: "I am shocked at the sudden saffronisation," said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in slamming the unveiling of new DD News logo where the red colour was replaced with the saffron one, which also happens to be the official colour of the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

A day after autonomous public broadcaster Doordarshan unveiled the logo, Mamata posted on X, "I am shocked at the sudden saffronisation and change of colour of our Doordarshan logo when the national elections are taking place across the country! It is absolutely unethical, grossly illegal, and speaks loudly of the pro-BJP bias of the national public broadcaster!

"How could the Election Commission of India allow this crude, pro-Saffron violation of the Model Code of Conduct when the people are in the electoral mode?! ECI must immediately stop it and reverse the change to go back to the original blue colour of the logo of Doordarshan!"

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo had earlier slammed the BJP government over the unveiling of saffron-coloured practice jerseys of the Men's Indian cricket team. 

She had alleged that it was move to saffronise the cricket team as well. 

DD News is the English news channel of Doordarshan.

Unveiling the new logo, DD News has put up an X post, "While our values remain the same, we are now available in a new avatar. Get ready for a news journey like never before.. Experience the all-new DD News!

"We have the courage to put: Accuracy over speed Facts over claims Truth over sensationalism Because if it is on DD News, it is the truth!"

Slamming the move, Trinamool Congress MP and former CEO of Doordarshan's parent body Prasar Bharati, Jawhat Sircar, posted on X, "As ex CEO of Prasar Bharati it hurts to see the saffronisation of Doordarshan’s logo— just before elections!

"It will influence voters, by overlaying the colour one religion and Sangh parivar colour with a ‘neutral’ Public Broadcaster and a biassed Govt/Regime!"

Doordarshan was launched by the Government of India and owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 1959.

Apart from DD News, Doordarshan serves 33 TV channels including DD National, DD Sports et al.