The process of killing dissent, purchasing voices
One of the main tasks that the corporate world did before bringing Modi to the chair of PM, is to kill or buy the media and human rights activists. The process of muzzling the media started with the finishing of ‘Tehelka’ paper. This paper has started a new discourse and order in journalism by conducting sting operation to expose corruption in the defense sector during the tenure of NDA government led by former PM Atal Bihari Vajapayee. The paper had written extensively about Gujarat genocide to ensure the voice of the victims was heard in the international arena.
Hence when it was decided that PM Narendra Modi had to be catapulted to the chair he is sitting in, the first steps that were taken were to ensure Tehelka and the likes were finished rather unceremoniously. Because Tarun Tejpal was at the heights of his fame during that time. Corporate forces worked well enough to ensure he was brought down well in time using his own weaknesses. Tejpal was trapped in sexual harassment charges and the trustworthiness brand Tehelka had created, came down with a massive thud. The progressives were forced to take a stand against Tehelka, which they had supported to grow. A paper that could have made it voice heard against Modi in the run up to the elections, was razed to dust. All the brilliant journalists who had associated with Tehelka had to disperse to join social media or new technology platforms.
This run to raze the voices has only increased since the time Modi assumed power. The government targeted the NGOs and environmentalists and gave them the tag of ‘anti-nationals’. Even NGOs with international reputation such as Green Peace had to suffer during this time. Modi and his cronies knew the opposition party within the parliament is weak, and hence their real opponents are environmentalists, human rights activists, media and NGOs along with anybody who’d raise voice against the government. Hence attempts were kept consistently on to muzzle the voices that differed.
Rajdeep Sardesai and his wife Sagarika Ghosh were forced to resign from CNN-IBN for having kept up their narrative against the violence unleashed by Sangh Parivar. Siddharth Varadarajan also had to leave The Hindu under similar circumstances. IT forces were unleashed against NDTV. Teesta Setalvad was chased which legal cases perched on top of her to no end. Some papers were killed, and some part of the media was bought over. All the journalists who were thus displaced, had to go with internet or new media platforms using social media.
Continuing its hunting of the media persons, government began to file cases against journalists on personal capacity too. Two senior journalists were forced to quit ABP Hindi channel for having filed a contradictory report against the Modi govermment’s schemes. Their only crime was to expose the publicity hungry mentality of Modi, and the total fakeness of the claims on progress made by the government. A government usually issues a rejoinder or a clarification, explaining the reality from its side. Modi has many ways of putting out his reality if he wishes to. The whole thing smells rotten when a govt sets out to muzzle the contradictory voices. This could mean there is a bit of reality in what the critics are saying. The dismissal of ABP journalists is speaking volumes of truth. The corporate world seems to think by threatening the journalists, one can keep away real news from people and thus protect Modi’s image.
At the same time, there is also an indirect attempt on shutting the voice that is insisting on judicial probe of Justice Loya’s death. Justice Loya was hearing the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. The family had believed Loya died under natural circumstances. But the allegations of Loya being killed for having rejected favours from Amit Shah to make the verdict favourable to him. This has caused huge embarrassment to Amit Shah. Not only the Shah gang has been successful in shutting this topic out, but now they are also busy trying to arm twist the people who brought this fact to light.
Lawyer Satish Uke, the social activist who brought the Loya case out, has now been arrested in a case that was filed 17 years ago. The same lawyer had filed a case against Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra some time ago. Phadnavis was issued a notice against this. And now instead of clarifying its role, the government has arrested the person who filed this case. If this continues, very soon there will be a day when even opposition leaders may be unable to speak against the government. Isn’t this enough to know India is already facing undeclared 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.”
