Media: Buy it or Kill it
When democracy becomes increasingly autocratic, the first victim will be the media. If the media is silenced, the autocracy will have no challenge. In the absence of the media, the suppressive ways of the autocracy will never be known properly to the people. An autocratic government chooses two ways to suppress or shut the media. First it buys it. If that is not possible, then destroys it. The media at present is largely bought over by the powers-that-be. As a result, however worse the administration is, the media does not present this to the people and its role is limited to praising the government. One way of silencing the media is to threaten or attack it through goondas and another way is to use existing laws to harass journalists and silence them. The recent statement by the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM), India’s respected civil rights organization, expressing concern over the increasing attacks on media houses and journalists across India has revealed that along with the media, even democracy is in danger.
The UPA government was also not far behind in misusing laws to silence journalists. Under Narendra Modi now, it has assumed dangerous proportions. In 2020, the country witnessed a 20 per cent increase in arrests of journalists and attacks on media houses. It is also notable that a large number of such cases are reported in states where BJP is in power. Journalists who are honest and those who abide by the principles of their profession are facing threats and violence. Between 2014 and 2019, more than 200 journalists faced physical assaults and several have even died. Even as the anti-CAA movement and farmer protests expanded throughout the country, the restrictions imposed against journalists have started increasing. Journalists who are reporting about the farmer protests are being directly attacked in the recent days. An example of this is the raid conducted by the Enforcement Directorate on the office of online news portal, NewsClick, that has been consistently reporting about the farmers’ protests. NewsClick’s Chief Editor Prabir Purakhayastha and writer Geeta Hariharan were practically kept under house arrest by the officials of the Enforcement Directorate.
Freelance journalist Mandeep Punia who was reporting about the farmer protests at New Delhi borders from the first day was dragged inhumanly and taken into custody. Five FIRs have been filed against famous journalists Rajdeep Sardesai, Mrinal Pande, Zafar Agaa, Caravan Magazine Founder Paresh Nath, Editor Ananth Nath, and Executive Editor Vinod K Jose along with other journalists. A non-bailable warrant was issued against senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurtha for a news story published in The Wire against Corporate giant Adani against which Adani filed a defamation case. Later, the Gujarat High Court not only cancelled the warrant but also directed Thakurtha to appear before a lower court.
In January, the provisions of the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) were invoked against journalists Dhiren Sadokpam, Paojel Chaoba, and M Joy Luwang for an article published in a newspaper in Manipur. In the last few years, it has become quite common to invoke the provisions of the UAPA against journalists who question and oppose the controversial decisions of the government. In the case of Kerala journalist Siddiqui Kappan who was imprisoned, the Uttar Pradesh government threw all Constitutional norms to the wind. The Uttar Pradesh police filed charges in an unconstitutional manner, invoked provisions of the UAPA, and arrested Kappan who was travelling to report the incident of rape and murder of a Dalit girl in Hathras. Kappan who was jailed on October 20, 2020 had to remain in prison until he was granted a temporary bail on February 15th, 2021.
Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to citizens enabling the print and electronic media to function. This is one of the basic tenets of democracy. But the Union and state governments are employing barbaric laws to control information and news. Such a fascist attitude is against the values that the Indian Constitution upholds. Journalists are not safe where democracy is in danger. The increasing attacks on journalists is an indication of democracy being in danger. For journalists, it is like a replay of the dark days of emergency.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
