After threatening the media with legal action if it printed or aired “defamatory” news, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that the Delhi government will help “good” journalists who are keen on starting new media ventures, like newspapers or news channels.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief made these statements during a Google hang-out chat with party volunteers.
There are good people in media too, who are not happy. If some senior people come together and want to start a news channel or newspaper, the government will definitely help them. We also want a honest media house, which only shows news.
– Arvind Kejriwal
Gagging the Media
Kejriwal’s remarks came right after the AAP-led Delhi government was accused by The Editors Guild of India of gagging the media after a new circular was released by the government threatening the media with legal action if it printed or aired “defamatory” news.
Media keep showing us in negative light but don’t worry about that as people of Delhi are happy with the Delhi government. Despite media reports, Delhiites gave us 67 seats.
– Arvind Kejriwal
Editors Guild Slams Govt Circular
Meanwhile, The Editors Guild of India has deplored the controversial circular issued by Delhi government regarding defamatory news, calling it a “crude attempt” to “still” media criticism and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The Guild said that it is shocked by the circular asking public officials to report “defamatory imputations” relating to the Chief Minister, ministers and public officials in respect of their conduct in relation to their public functions for the purpose of launching criminal defamation proceedings against the media, thereby enthroning “intolerance as official policy”.
The Guild said that it is strange that a Chief Minister and a party that rode to power on a popular democratic platform should turn “intolerant” when in office.
(With inputs from PTI)
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