Gauhati Press Club Slams Rising Verbal Attacks by Politicians on Journalists

The Gauhati Press Club has strongly condemned the growing trend of politicians lashing out at journalists for posing tough or uncomfortable questions, calling such behaviour a direct threat to press freedom and democratic values.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Press Club expressed deep concern over the recurring instances where journalists have been subjected to personal attacks, insults, and attempts to undermine their credibility simply for fulfilling their professional duties.

"From MPs, MLAs to ministers and other office bearers of different parties, we have seen an alarming trend of targeting the journalist who poses a question that puts them in a difficult position," the statement said.

The Press Club reiterated that while public figures have the right not to respond to a particular query, it does not entitle them to cast aspersions on the journalist or the media organisation they represent.

“If political leaders are unwilling to face questions, they should abstain from holding press conferences altogether and instead issue written statements. But attempting to shame or intimidate journalists crosses a line,” the statement added.

The Gauhati Press Club had earlier raised similar concerns, urging political leaders to maintain dignity and restraint in their interactions with the media. It emphasised that the media’s role in asking uncomfortable questions is essential to holding power to account, and such actions by political leaders are antithetical to the ethos of a democratic society.

“Such behaviour will not dissuade the journalists from discharging their duties responsibly, and the voice of a free press cannot be stifled,” the club asserted.

The Press Club once again called on all political leaders and public representatives to refrain from targeting members of the media, underscoring that such conduct is unbecoming in a democracy and poses a grave threat to the freedom of expression. 

This comes after Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah made a derogatory remark to a journalist at a press conference earlier today, saying, “I don't speak to people from a lower class.” 

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