M A I N   N E W S

Kejriwal targets news channels, sparks row
Threatens mediamen with jail; backtracks
Ananya Panda
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 14
Stoking a fresh controversy, the Aam Aadmi Party has accused a section of media, especially some TV news channels, of being biased and favouring the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

The issue has cropped up after AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal was seen making controversial remarks attacking the media in a video aired by a Marathi news channel.

In the footage in question yesterday, Kejriwal alleged, “For the last one year we are being told about what Modi is doing and he has also been saying the same. To the extent that some TV channels have been projecting him falsely saying that ‘Ram Rajya’ has come and corruption has vanished.... Around 800 farmers have committed suicide in Gujarat in the last 10 years, but none of the channels are showing it. Heavy amounts have been paid to these (news channels) to promote Modi.”

Pointing out that it was a huge political controversy, Kejriwal had said that if the AAP Government came to power the matter would be probed and all, including media people, would be sent to jail. After facing flak from the Congress, the BJP and the CPI, the former Delhi CM is learnt to have backtracked.

Defending Kejriwal, AAP leaders charged that four news channels - Zee News, India TV, India News and Times Now - were working as agents of the BJP and running an anti-AAP campaign.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the comments were directed against media houses resorting to paid news. Some news channels had been running a campaign against the party.

What Kejriwal said

• Some TV channels have been deliberately projecting Modi
• Heavy amounts have been paid to these (news channels) to promote Modi
• It was a political conspiracy
• If the AAP Government came to power, the matter would be probed and all, including media people, would be sent to jail

AAP leader’s comments irresponsible: BEA

Terming AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s comments on media as irresponsible, the Broadcast Editors’ Association has said such “vague and sweeping” allegations were aimed at diluting the credibility of media which is discharging its responsibility in a fair and objective manner.