FIR against Newz Radar: BJP’s media coordinator says this wasn’t the tradition in Himachal
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Dharamshala: BJP media coordinator advocate Vishav Chakshu said that the filing of a complaint against the media by the Congress-led government of Himachal Pradesh has once again revealed its “authoritarian tendencies”.
In a statement, Chakshu has strongly condemned this move, calling it an “act of suppressing free journalism”, which he says will not be tolerated in the “Devbhoomi” of Himachal Pradesh.
He accused the government of orchestrating this complaint to allegedly intimidate the media. He alleged that the Congress government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is “attempting to curtail press freedom by targeting journalists who publish analytical reports that question their governance”.
The FIR has been filed against media house The Newz Radar for publishing an analysis of the Haryana election results, which pointed to the potential influence of Congress’s actions in Himachal Pradesh on the BJP’s victory in Haryana.
Also Read: https://thenewzradar.com/press-community-in-dharamshala-calls-for-justice-after-fir-on-journalist/
Congress’ ‘attempt to stifle journalism’
Chakshu further stated that the complaint was filed by an individual with Congress affiliations, but he underscored that the entire episode “is being played out under the government’s directives”. He termed this move as a “blatant attack on press freedom and an effort to silence voices that reflect the true situation in the state”.He also pointed out that the media’s role is to analyse current political scenarios and provide insight, which the Congress government seems keen to “suppress”.
Also Read: https://thenewzradar.com/anurag-thakur-slams-sukhu-govt-over-fir-against-the-newz-radar-says-media-facing-serious-threat-in-himachal/
He criticised the Congress for allegedly failing to acknowledge the truths presented by the media, instead choosing to retaliate through legal means. “The Sukhu government’s attempt to cover up its shortcomings through such complaints is a clear attack on the democratic principles of free expression and journalism,” Chakshu said.
Says free speech ‘under serious threat’
Advocate Vishwa Chakshu condemned this action as a direct violation of press freedom and stated that such actions erode the foundations of democracy. He argued that the freedom to express opinions, especially those that expose governmental inadequacies, must be protected in a democracy. The BJP has also raised questions about the motives behind the Congress government’s actions, viewing it as a strategic attempt to prevent the press from revealing uncomfortable truths about the administration’s mismanagement.
