TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Congress party on Monday sought apology from Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar over his adverse criticism of the media alleging biased news coverage. Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has decided to approach Press Council of India (PCI) seeking stern action against the chief minister.
Addressing media persons, GPCC secretary Sunil Kawthankar accused Chief Minister of suppressing the freedom of press by making allegations of paid news. He said that any mature politician, especially a politician with intellect, should be keen to accept criticism, he said.
“Chief Minister’s statement questioning the intellectual standing and qualification of media persons has raised doubts over credibility of media among public. This is nothing but an attempt to murder the freedom of press,” he stated.
“No one has right to intervene in the fundamental right of media…This is a shame,” Kawthankar commented.
Parrikar took a dig at the media, accusing it of adverse coverage against the government, during a public function on Sunday. He criticized the media for biased news coverage and alleged that many journalists were doing Opposition-sponsored paid news reporting. He also raised questions over the educational qualification of media persons.
Demanding an apology, Kawthankar urged the Chief Minister to introspect on the educational qualifications of his cabinet ministers. He pointed out that during Parrikar’s tenure as Leader of Opposition; he was seen making statements against former Congress government, which were published by media.
“However, Congress never accused media for such coverage,” he added.
In yet another press conference, GPCC secretary Urfan Mulla said that despite making promises, government has not laid foundation stone for kabrastan at Sonsodo. The proposal is pending since 2002; he informed that the land for the Muslim burial ground has also not been handed over to the management of the Jama Masjid (Jamat-ul-Muslameen), Margao.
Mulla also accused the government for not releasing funds for Haj pilgrimage, since BJP government took over charges in 2012.
