CPI(M) urges media houses to take on BJP

Claiming that the BJP was exerting pressure on media organisations to take disciplinary action against journalists who participated in a protest (which turned violent) against its functionary S. Ve. Shekher, the Communist Party of India (CPI-M) on Monday urged media outlets to resist such overtures.

In a statement here, CPI(M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan said the BJP had made its members unleash violence during the protest against Mr. Shekher. “The CPI(M) views that ruling party’s (BJP at Centre) method of using its power and luring with advertisement revenue to exert pressure upon the managements and driving them to victimise their employees for such protest action would be a serious issue of subverting democratic norms,” he said.

The CPI(M) said the Press Council of India and the State Women’s Commission should take action against Mr. Shekher.