‘In A Way, They Are Slaves’: Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks On Media At Poll Rally Draw Ire – News18

Last Updated:November 17, 2024, 15:14 IST

Targeting the media, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to journalists as “slaves” bound by their dependence on salaries to meet personal needs

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks during a poll rally in Maharashtra’s Amravati district have angered journalists. Targeting the media, he referred to them as “slaves” bound by their dependence on salaries to meet personal needs.

Addressing a crowd on Saturday (November 16), Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also turned his focus to the media. “For over a year, I have been advocating for constitutional reforms, caste-based census, and breaking the 50% reservation ceiling. Despite raising these issues in Parliament, Modi claims I am against reservation. Either he has memory loss, or he chooses to ignore the facts. The media also refuses to show this reality because they are under their owners’ control,” he alleged.

He went on to elaborate on challenges faced by journalists. “Journalists need salaries to educate their children and fill their stomachs. To ensure this, they are forced to obey their bosses. In a way, they are slaves. I like them, but their circumstances bind them. This is why I don’t have a fight with them. They will never show what we do or say, but they will run Modi’s propaganda 24×7,” he said.

The Congress MP also ridiculed Modi’s narrative-building tactics, saying: “The media won’t show how Modi claims I oppose reservation. Instead, they will present a twisted version of the story. They also broadcast tales like Modi fighting a crocodile as a child, but when he visits the Ganga, it seems he forgets how to swim.”

His comments, particularly labelling journalists as “slaves”, have drawn sharp criticism from the media fraternity. Several journalists expressed outrage, calling the remarks dismissive and disrespectful toward their profession.

Amravati-based journalist Mohan Sune, who is the head of the All India Rural Journalist Association, has condemned Gandhi’s statement. A statement issued by Sune said: “Journalists in rural areas don’t have access to top resources, but in that condition too they are working honestly, making such statements has hurt their sentiments and, hence, we condemn such a statement of Rahul Gandhi.”

The remarks come at a time when media independence is a widely debated issue in India. While his comments highlight concerns about media ownership and control, his choice of words has alienated a section of journalists who now accuse him of undermining their integrity.

The controversy adds another layer of tension as the election campaign heats up, with Gandhi continuing his sharp attacks on the prime minister and the ruling BJP.

Location :

Amravati, India