Can news media affect the way India votes?

Campaign India tries to understand the role played by news media in influencing voters in the general electionsIn December last year, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani cautioned his party leadership and cadres to exercise restraint when making TV appearances. The advice came as a result of some ‘controversial statements’ made by Jaswant Singh about the Kandahar hijacking. Advani, an old-hand when it comes to tapping the pulse of the voters, understood the influence media has on the voting population and took necessary actions.