INDIA Bloc Shunning News Anchors Reflects Emergency-Era Mindset: Aparajita Sarangi

Jeypore: Parliamentarian from Odisha Aparajita Sagarngi on Friday called the decision of the Opposition bloc INDIA to boycott the shows of 14 television news anchor, as unfortunate.

“This takes us back to 1975 when India Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country and newspapers went out of circulation. After so many year, the alliance, which also include Congress, has done it again and it reflects their emergency-era mindset,” the BJP MP from Bhubaneswar told reporters during her halt at Koraput en route to Malkangiri.

Aparajita said that this move exhibits their frustration as there is no vacancy in PM post and Narendra Modi will back in power after 2024 elections. “How they can boycott anchors just because their representatives are unable to answer the questions raised on these platforms? A media house selects the content based on its policy and political leaders should have the courage to face the volley of questions,” she said.

The BJP leader further said that media is fourth pillar of democracy and freedom of the press is paramount. “PM Modi and BJP stand with the media on this issue. Such fear exists when one is not confident about being on the right track,” she added.

On Thursday, the coordination committee of the 26 party-bloc held its first meeting and authorised its media group to decide on the names of the anchors on whose shows none of the INDIA parties will send their representatives.

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