this bombay press club express strong opposition Rahul GandhiComments to reporters, calling his comments “deeply disturbing” and showing a “high-handed attitude.” Congress leader accused of working at a rally in Amaravati, Maharashtra reporter Submission to the ruling regime, labeling them “slaves of their masters”.
The Mumbai Press Club in a statement condemned the tone of Gandhi’s remarks, saying it was “condescending” despite being seen as a concern for journalists. “Has Mr. Gandhi ever reflected on the root causes of the challenges facing Indian journalists and the journalism industry in general?” the group asked.
“If Mr Gandhi truly wants to address the plight of journalists, perhaps he should turn his criticism towards media owners and structural issues within the industry,” the statement read. The report also noted that working journalists are often under threat of being fired, and in Working in a saturated job market, there are huge risks in challenging the system.
The group also expressed concern over Gandhi’s consistent criticism of journalists, suggesting it raised questions about how his party would treat the media when it returns to power. “While we acknowledge that the current government’s authoritarian tendencies towards the media pose significant challenges, it is equally concerning to witness Mr Gandhi’s repeated targeting of journalists,” it said. The group compared Gandhi’s remarks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s avoidance of press conferences, saying both were worthy of criticism.
“They (journalists) belong to them (BJP),” Gandhi said in his speech in Amaravati. “When I say this, it’s funny – they look at me and smile as if to say, ‘Yes, we Belong to them. “It’s not their fault. They want jobs, they need a salary, they have to pay for their children’s education, they want to eat. They can’t go against their masters; they are slaves in a sense.
Press clubs counter that while journalists often face intense pressure, dismissive comments undermine their fight and fail to address the root causes of job insecurity and weakened protections. “The media and democracy deserve constructive dialogue and accountability, not dismissive rhetoric,” the report concluded.
Maharashtra is gearing up for the assembly elections to be held on November 20 and counting of votes will take place on November 23. military.
