Congress files complaint against DD Journalist for labelling Kharge as ‘traitor’
New Delhi: The Congress party has filed an official complaint against Doordarshan (DD) journalist Ashok Shrivastav, condemning his programme that portrayed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as a "traitor" during a time of heightened military conflict with Pakistan. The party called the broadcast harmful to national unity and accused the state-owned broadcaster of spreading divisive and inflammatory contentx reported News Laundry.
In the complaint, Congress highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that the country is dealing with violent conflict with Pakistan, during which several Indian citizens and military officers have lost their lives. “During such a war-like situation, Ashok Shrivastav and DD News are airing malicious content which not only incites violence against Mallikarjun Kharge and promotes enmity towards the Congress Party, but also harms national integrity, peace and harmony,” said Congress leader Bhadauria.
The controversy began on May 6, when Ashok Shrivastav shared a promotional poster for his debate show on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The graphic featured Kharge, Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood, and Islamic scholar Arshad Madani under a caption that read: “India is ready but how many traitors are in the House?” The programme was aired on Doordarshan.
Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal demanded an unconditional apology from Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating that the use of such language was unacceptable during a national crisis. “Labelling Kharge ji and MP Imran Masood ji as ‘gaddar’ is extremely divisive. The Congress president has extended unequivocal support to the armed forces and the government since the Pahalgam terror attack,” he said.
Venugopal also reminded the public of the Congress party’s historical record of supporting the government during previous wars with Pakistan, including its support to the Vajpayee-led administration during the Kargil conflict.
The inclusion of Islamic scholar Arshad Madani in the same graphic has also drawn sharp criticism. Critics questioned how a respected religious figure could be grouped with political leaders under a label that suggests disloyalty, especially by a public service broadcaster.
Other Congress leaders, including MP Manickam Tagore, also condemned the broadcast, saying it was disgraceful and called on Minister Vaishnaw to issue an apology. The Congress party accused Doordarshan of misusing public platforms for political purposes and spreading communal undertones, which they say is dangerous at a time of national security threats.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or from Doordarshan regarding the complaint.
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NDA's win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation watershed moment in Kerala politics: PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday termed the mandate received by the BJP-led NDA in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation a "watershed moment" in Kerala's politics and expressed gratitude to the BJP workers for the "spectacular results".
The Left parties suffered a major setback in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, held by them for 45 years, as the BJP-led NDA surged ahead with a huge lead.
Reacting to the civic body results, the prime minister said it is a day to recall the work and struggles of generations of karyakartas (workers) in Kerala, who worked at the grassroots, which ensured today's result became a reality.
"Thank you Thiruvananthapuram! The mandate the BJP-NDA got in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is a watershed moment in Kerala's politics," he wrote on 'X'.
PM Modi said the people are certain that the development aspirations of Kerala can only be addressed by the BJP. "Our Party will work towards this vibrant city's growth and boost 'Ease of Living' for the people," he said with the hashtag #VikasitaThiruvananthapuram.
The prime minister said the BJP karyakartas are the strength of the party, and everyone is proud of them.
"My gratitude to all hardworking BJP karyakartas who have worked among the people, which has ensured a spectacular result in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation," he said.
