Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar voiced his support for journalists and emphasized the importance of individual rights during a statement on Saturday. His comments came shortly after the INDIA bloc of the opposition announced a boycott of 14 television news anchors. Nitish Kumar's political party, Janata Dal (United), is part of the 26-party INDIA bloc.
While addressing reporters, Nitish Kumar expressed his lack of awareness regarding the INDIA bloc's decision to boycott certain TV news anchors. He asserted his backing for journalists and highlighted the significance of providing everyone with full freedom.
Nitish Kumar stated, "I have no idea about this...I am in support of journalists. When everyone gets full freedom, journalists will write what they like. Are they controlled? Have I ever done it? They have rights, I am not against anyone."
He continued, "Right now those who are at the Centre have controlled a few people...Those who are with us (INDIA bloc parties) must have felt that something is happening. However, I am not against anyone," emphasizing his neutrality on the matter.
Earlier in the week, the INDIA bloc had published a list of 14 television news anchors whose shows were to be boycotted by the alliance's media representatives. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, who released the list, cited concerns about the spread of hatred in society and its potential to incite violence as reasons for the boycott.
The News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) expressed apprehension about the boycott, characterizing it as setting "a dangerous precedent." The association criticized the decision for conflicting with democratic principles and reflecting intolerance.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) drew a parallel between the boycott decision and the period of Emergency in India's history when media freedom was curtailed. BJP MP Anil Baluni accused the alliance parties of maintaining an anarchic and Emergency-like mindset, asserting that the open threat to the media amounted to suppressing the voice of the people.
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