In a recent development, MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) general secretary Vaiko has leveled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in India, accusing it of attempting to stifle free media in the country. Vaiko’s remarks come in response to the arrest of Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, and the subsequent raids on the homes of journalists associated with the news portal.In a statement issued in Chennai, Vaiko asserted that the actions taken by the BJP government were a deliberate and concerted effort to suppress independent media. He pointed out that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern where the media has been consistently targeted by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Vaiko also drew attention to a recent episode involving the BBC, which faced scrutiny and challenges from the government last month. According to him, the arrest of Prabir Purkayastha and the raids on the homes of journalists represent the latest in a series of attacks on the media by the BJP government. Vaiko called upon democratic forces to unite and thwart what he perceives as the BJP government’s attempts to undermine the free press in India.
