Congress chief Rahul Gandhi
The Mumbai Press Membership expressed sturdy disapproval of Rahul Gandhi’s feedback about journalists, calling his remarks “deeply troubling” and indicative of a “high-handed attitude.” At a rally in Amaravati, Maharashtra, the Congress chief accused working journalists of being subservient to the ruling regime, labelling them “slaves of their owners.” In an announcement, the Mumbai Press Membership condemned the tone of Gandhi’s remarks, which it stated carried a “condescending” edge regardless of being framed as concern for journalists. “Has Mr Gandhi ever reflected on the root causes of the challenges faced by working journalists in India and the state of journalism as a whole?” the organisation questioned.
“If Mr Gandhi truly wishes to address the plight of journalists, perhaps he should redirect his critique toward media owners and structural issues within the industry,” the assertion stated. It additionally identified that working journalists, continually below the specter of dismissal and working in a saturated job market, face important dangers in difficult the system.The group additionally expressed concern over Gandhi’s constant criticism of journalists, suggesting it raises questions on how his get together may strategy the media if it returns to energy. “While we acknowledge the immense challenges posed by the current government’s authoritarian tendencies toward the media, it is equally concerning to witness Mr Gandhi’s repeated targeting of journalists,” it stated. Evaluating Gandhi’s remarks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s avoidance of press conferences, the organisation argued that each approaches deserve criticism.Throughout his speech in Amaravati, Gandhi had stated, “They (journalists) belong to them (BJP). It’s funny when I say that—they look at me and smile, as if to say, ‘Yes, we belong to them.’ It’s not their fault. They want to work, they need a salary, they have to pay for their kids’ education, they want to eat. They can’t work against their owner; they are a slave of sorts.”The Press Membership countered that whereas journalists typically face immense pressures, dismissive rhetoric undermines their struggles and fails to handle root causes like job insecurity and dwindling protections. “Constructive dialogue and accountability, not dismissive remarks, are what the media—and democracy—deserve,” it concluded.Maharashtra gears up for meeting elections on November 20, with votes to be counted on November 23. In 2019, Congress secured 44 seats, trailing behind the BJP and Shiv Sena.
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