In a recent political speech, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reignited a long-standing tradition of criticizing and taunting the media. Instead of addressing pressing national issues, Gandhi chose to target the media, continuing a pattern that has long been associated with his family’s approach to politics.
During his speech, Gandhi did not hesitate to belittle journalists, who work diligently to inform the public and hold those in power accountable. Rather than discussing key policy matters or engaging in constructive debate, he opted to malign the media, taunting journalists and questioning their integrity. This move, critics argue, is deeply concerning as it paints an entire profession with a broad and negative brush, undermining the essential role the press plays in a democratic society.
ये जो मीडिया के लोग कैमरा लिए घूम रहे हैं- ये आपके नहीं हैं, ये अडानी-अंबानी का मीडिया है।
• आप भूखे मर जाएं
• आपके बच्चे भूखे मर जाएं
• किसान आत्महत्या कर लेंलेकिन मीडिया को कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ेगा, ये अडानी-अंबानी की शादी दिखाएंगे।
ये मीडिया वाले उनके हैं, उनकी नौकरी… pic.twitter.com/FyqPoMGzab
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 27, 2025
Such attacks on the media, many believe, stem from a troubling mindset that dismisses the value of the fourth estate. Instead of acknowledging the media’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability, Gandhi’s rhetoric seemed to discredit the hard work of journalists who strive to report with dignity. This approach, critics say, is not only harmful to the press but also indicative of a broader pattern of disdain for independent reporting.
A Tradition Of Undermining The Media
Gandhi’s recent remarks not isolate incidents. They reflect a long-standing tradition within the Congress party of attacking the media when it challenges their narrative. From the Emergency period, when the government severely restricted press freedoms, to recent efforts to regulate the media through legislation, the Congress party has historically sought to control or undermine press independence.
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By focusing his speech on denigrating the media instead of addressing core political and economic issues, Gandhi is drawing attention away from the matters that truly affect the public. This strategy, critics contend, is an attempt to deflect from meaningful discussions and redirect public attention toward divisive and unproductive rhetoric.
The Press And Democracy
In a functioning democracy, the media serves as a vital check on power, offering citizens the information they need to make informed decisions. Attacking the press only undermines this essential function, critics warn. Such actions not only erode public trust in the media but also stifle critical dialogue, which is fundamental to the health of any democracy.
Gandhi’s comments, therefore, are seen as part of a broader strategy to weaken the role of the media and silence dissenting voices. As he continues to disparage the press, his actions raise serious concerns about the future of free speech and press freedoms in India. For many, these repeated attacks on the media highlight a troubling trend that risks further alienating the political elite from the very people they seek to serve.
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