Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, accusing them of punishing independent journalism while rewarding compliance. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Kharge said that the current government has created an environment where journalists who question the establishment are targeted, while those who toe the party line are rewarded.
Kharge's Remarks on Press Freedom
Kharge stated that the BJP-RSS combine has systematically undermined the freedom of the press in India. He alleged that independent journalists face harassment, legal threats, and economic pressure, while compliant media outlets receive government advertisements and other benefits. "Independent journalism is being punished, and compliance is being rewarded. This is the reality under the BJP-RSS regime," Kharge said.
Threats to Democracy
The Congress president further warned that the attack on press freedom is part of a larger assault on democratic institutions. He said that a free press is essential for a vibrant democracy and that the government's actions are aimed at silencing dissent. "The BJP-RSS cannot tolerate any criticism. They want a pliant media that only propagates their narrative," he added.
Reactions from Journalists
Several journalists and press freedom advocates have echoed Kharge's concerns. Many have pointed to the increasing number of cases against journalists under various laws, including sedition and defamation. The Editors Guild of India has also expressed alarm over the state of press freedom in the country.
Government's Defense
The BJP, however, has denied these allegations, stating that India remains a vibrant democracy with a free press. Party leaders have accused the Congress of making baseless claims to divert attention from its own failures. Union minister Anurag Thakur said, "The Congress is frustrated because they have lost public support. They are making false allegations against the government."
Conclusion
Kharge's remarks come at a time when concerns over press freedom in India have been raised by international organizations as well. The World Press Freedom Index has seen India's ranking drop in recent years. The Congress president's attack on the BJP-RSS highlights the growing polarization over the issue of media freedom in the country.
