Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government, accusing it of suppressing press freedom in India. In a strongly worded message posted on his official social media page in observance of World Press Freedom Day, Stalin lamented the deteriorating state of press freedom under BJP rule, asserting that the freedom of the press in India is in jeopardy.Stalin minced no words in his condemnation of the BJP government’s record on press freedom, citing India’s low rankings in the Press Freedom Index and the tragic murders of journalists such as Gauri Lankesh and Kalburgi. He also highlighted the plight of journalists like Siddique Kappan and Rana Ayyub, who have faced intimidation and harassment for their courageous pursuit of truth.
“With low rankings in the Press Freedom Index, and the murders of journalists like Gauri Lankesh and Kalburgi, along with constant intimidation of journalists like Siddique Kappan, Rana Ayyub, and many others who dare to speak truth to power, the BJP rule paints a sorry picture for #PressFreedom,” Stalin asserted.
“As we celebrate the role of the press in democracy, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of free speech and ensuring journalists can work without fear or oppressive censorship,” Stalin urged.