New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal whose fame is often credited to media is under severe criticism for his volley of attacks on journalists.
Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju lashed out at Kejriwal saying that his remarks about media were irresponsible. While admitting that paid news was a serious issue, Katju said that the political class should refrain from making such 'incorrect' statements about media.
"I have always believed in media freedom, in a democracy it is absolutely essential. Such statements made by the politicians it are irresponsible and incorrect," Katju told CNN-IBN.
Kejriwal's comments on the media and threat to send some journalists to jail when in power have led to widespread condemnation. Top journalists in the country have expressed serious displeasure over thr Aam Aadmi Party chief's statement against the media. Veteran journalist and former secretary general of the Editors Guild of India KS Sachidanandamurthy questioned the AAP over Kejriwal's statement.
Speaking to CNN-IBN he said, "The kind of coverage media has been giving, he shouldn't have any complaint. Their problem is you don't give enough coverage or not telecast what we want. This shows there is variety in media. Some will highlight an issue, some won't. The plurality of media is evident because such attacks are taking place. It proves the media is pluralistic in nature."
Broadcast Editors Association (BEA) also condemned Kejriwal's threat to media. In a statemenent the BEA said, "BEA condemns Arvind Kejriwal's irresponsible statement on media. BEA believes that electronic media is discharging its responsibility in a fair and objective manner. It is wrong to say that TV channels are pursuing a biased agenda in favour of any person or party. BEA believes that such statements are a conspiracy to dilute the credibility of media. We have strong faith in the self regulatory institutions that electronic media has developed and would request any aggrieved person to approach them with specific complaints and evidence. Vague and sweeping allegations are a sign of weakness."
Not only are the media persons hitting out at Kejriwal, but his attack on media has not gone down well with the political class either. "Ye "khaasi baba" se "maafi baba" ban gaye hai, pehle comment karte hai phir maafi maangte hai (From an old man coughing regularly, he has now become some one who seeks forgiveness after making a comment)," BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.
"Media has an important role to play and anyone who makes comment like this is unfortunate. Those who are in public life and politics they must face the media and criticism but I would like to tell media that since campaign for 2014 has begun they should also be balanced," Congress leader Manish Tewari said.
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to Twitter to react on the exchanges between media and AAP. He wrote, "I really don't get AAP and Arvind Kejriwal's criticism of the media. But for the blanket coverage he has received AAP wouldn't exist today."
Unfazed by the criticism, the AAP, however, rallied behind its leader and his opinions about media. At a press conference on Friday, his spokespersons tried hard to defend him.
"Kejriwal only meant that a section of the media is sold. The AAP fully supports his statement. We also want to add that there are many journalists and editors who are honest and want to do good work. However, we demand a probe into the Press Council report on paid media," AAP spokespersons Sanjay Singh and Ashutosh said.
Even as the war of words between Kejriwal and media intensifies with every passing days, Jutice Katju noted a very interesting thing. He asked, "Kejriwal continues to enjoy enough media attention, so what is he complaining about?"
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