A subtle war of words ensued between Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday over “social media” and “mainstream” media as far as coverage and news regarding the coronavirus pandemic in the State.
Slamming the Chief Minister for an “irresponsible” statement and refuting his claims, the Goa Governor said there was “impropriety” in the Chief Minister’s statement.
“It’s an impropriety on the part of Goa CM. I have never said anything against the media, be it print media or social media. In fact, the media is our strength. I get all the information about the loopholes, through the media only and that helps me to understand the situation and direct government,” Malik said.
“It is wrong to say that I blamed the media. There was no issue about the media. I have never criticised the press,” he added.
Earlier emerging from the meeting with the Governor, the Chief Minister had quoted the Governor accusing the media for circulating false information on the Covid-19 situation in the State.
“Some wrong info is being circulated on social media regarding Covid-19 in Goa. So, in today’s meeting, we gave the right info to the Governor. He praised our ongoing efforts to control the spread of the virus and said that social media, electronic media and print media is presenting the wrong picture,” Sawant said.
“The Governor said that the media should also focus on the positives and said that he does not know why he was being given the wrong picture,” Sawant quoted Malik as saying.
