Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “attacking democracy” over alleged threats issued by the party’s ST Morcha President to a journalist, and demanded strict action against the Zilla Parishad member involved in the controversy.
Sardesai said that instead of resorting to intimidation, the BJP leader should concentrate on ensuring the implementation of long-pending Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation benefits.
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“The BJP must understand that threatening journalists is an assault on democracy and a direct attack on press freedom. The leader concerned should be working for ST reservation, not bullying the media,” Sardesai said.
He further alleged that government machinery is being misused to pressure journalists and silence critical voices. According to Sardesai, such actions reflect a growing intolerance towards free and independent reporting.
The Goa Forward leader called upon the BJP state president to immediately take action against the ZP member, stating that failure to do so would expose the ruling party’s true stand on press freedom and democratic values.
“If the BJP leadership remains silent, it will only confirm that they endorse intimidation of the press,” Sardesai warned, adding that his party will continue to stand firmly in support of journalists and democratic rights.
