- विज्ञापन -
Mumbai: The Mumbai Press Club has expressed its disapproval of Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments at an election rally in Amaravati, Maharashtra, where he referred to journalists as “slaves” of their owners.
In a statement, the Club highlighted that while Gandhi’s remarks seemed to stem from concern for journalists, they carried a condescending tone that merits further examination. They urged him to consider the underlying issues that journalists face, questioning whether he has ever reflected on the root causes of these challenges. The statement pointed out that the precarious situation of journalists is largely a result of the widespread contractualization that began with the neo-liberal policies of the Congress-led government in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This shift allowed media monopolies to terminate journalists at will, undermining unions and leaving many journalists vulnerable. The Club suggested that if Gandhi genuinely wants to improve conditions for journalists, he should focus his critique on media owners and the systemic problems within the industry. The constant threat of job loss, coupled with an oversupply of unemployed journalists, makes it impractical to expect them to challenge the system without risking their livelihoods.
The Mumbai Press Club acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the current government’s authoritarian stance towards the media but expressed concern over Gandhi’s repeated attacks on journalists. They noted that his rhetoric raises questions about how his party might treat the press if it were to regain power. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is rightly criticized for evading open press conferences, Gandhi’s mockery of journalists also warrants condemnation.
The Club reaffirmed its commitment to defending journalists’ rights against violations by ruling parties, media owners, and other entities. They view Gandhi’s dismissive attitude towards working journalists as a serious issue, emphasizing that constructive dialogue and accountability are what the media and democracy truly deserve.
During the public meeting on November 16, Gandhi stated, “For over a year, I have been advocating for constitutional reforms, a caste-based census, and breaking the 50% reservation ceiling. Despite raising these issues in Parliament, Modi claims I am against reservation. Either he has memory loss, or he chooses to ignore the facts. The media also refuses to show this reality because they are under their owners’ control.”
He added, “Journalists need salaries to educate their children and feed their families. To ensure this, they are forced to obey their bosses. In a way, they are slaves. I admire them, but their circumstances bind them. This is why I don’t confront them. They may not report on what we do or say, but they will promote propaganda around the clock.”
