Nagpur: The Editorial published in a Marathi Daily ‘Loksatta’ on December 16 that mocked at the present agonizing condition of farmers and villagers drew a severe flak from Assembly members across the party lines.
As soon as the Editorial was read out in the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) almost all the members condemned the Editor Girish Kuber for his ‘outrageous’ write up. The issue was raised in the House by Jitendra Awhad, Chhagan Bhujbal, Ashish Shelar, and Balasaheb Thorat. The members strongly protested the contents of the Editorial and demanded stern action against the Marathi daily.
Replying to the issue, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the freedom of press is unlimited but still limited. Farmers commit suicide in adverse situations. The Editor in his editorial should have consoled the farmers and committed to their wellbeing. The media has powers to criticize political parties and leaders. But adverse comments on State’s farmers is absolutely wrong. All members of the House unanimously protest the words used in the Editorial. The effort to depict the farmers in poor light is condemnable. The members of the House have registered their strong protest against the Editorial. No comments or criticism are being made on media’s freedom. Only it should understand its responsibilities. The media should use its powers in a positive way, appealed the Chief Minister.
