Orissa Minister of Agriculture, Sri Pradip Maharathi has used alarming words against media persons as in recent press coverage his name has appeared in Pipili rape victim matter.
Press has no bias against Maharathi, but contextually, specifically as the victim’s family members in their allegation have taken his name, his name has found place in the news. This has irritated him to the extent of hurling words that are not becoming of the office he holds.
In reacting thereto, the Media Unity for Freedom of Press (MUFP) has issued a statement. It reads:
The MUFP strongly condemns some recent public statements by Sri Pradip Maharathi, Minister, Agriculture in which he has targeted the media and media persons and also cast aspersions on them.
We wish to warn the minister against making any sweeping, generalized and disparaging remarks against the media in future.
He has the right to defend himself against any false or defamatory news items that may have appeared in the media, but he surely does not have the right to denigrate the media and media persons as a whole.
Media persons are duty bound to report facts and reflect the public opinion and not to please the high and mighty.
We sincerely hope Sri Maharathi will restrain himself and desist from making sweeping and irresponsible statements designed to show the media and media persons in poor light in future.