Media: Coverage

The Indian Parliament has gone through one of the worst periods in its history with the serial suspension of as many as 146 MPs in a matter of a few days. These suspensions were triggered by the vociferous demands from the MPs for an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union Home Minister Amit Shah on the security lapses that led to the security breach in the parliament on December 13, 2023. The breach- which was characterised by sections of the media as the second attack on parliament- was carried out by a group of young people.

Political Analyst, Economist and Social Activist Paranjoy Guha Thakurtha discussed this context with Venkitesh Ramakrishnan, Managing Editor, The AIDEM. In this freewheeling conversation, Guha Thakurtha, points out that the linkages between these developments and the Surveillance Raj being built up by the Modi Regime are grave.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong support for Israel and his country’s abstention from a UN resolution for a Gaza ceasefire has sparked a backlash against the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over what critics argued is its anti-Muslim stance.

लोकतंत्र में असहमति के स्वर पर संवाद के आयोजन के दौरान सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट में फेक न्यूज को लेकर फेक्ट चेक की कमी पर बात रखी गई।

The targeting of media houses that provide coverage of dissent has become a concerning trend in India – corroborated by the worsening press freedom index of the country.

The raids on NewsClick, which took place on October 3, led to the seizure of the phones and laptops of close to 50 journalists associated with the organisation.

The veteran scribe believes the crackdown on NewsClick would have a chilling impact on journalists who believe in asking questions freely and fairly.

The NewsClick raids send a very important message of crumbling press freedom in the country.

Digital footprints of journalists and activists are increasingly searched and seized in violation of privacy and free speech.