Concerns Over Declining Press Freedom Rankings

In a detailed post on the social media platform X, Kharge highlighted what he called a “stark and undeniable reality.” Citing the World Press Freedom Index, he claimed that India’s global standing has plummeted to 157th place since 2014 under the current regime.

“Media Exists to Question Power, Not Amplify Narratives”

Emphasizing the true role of the fourth estate in a democracy, Kharge invoked the ideals of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He asserted:

“A free press, in its truest sense, does not exist to amplify the government’s narrative or conceal its failures. It exists to question authority, to scrutinize power, and to hold those in office accountable.”

The Congress chief added that journalists act as custodians of public truth, but this essential attribute of the democratic process is now facing an unprecedented crisis.

Allegations of Legal Weaponization

Kharge raised serious concerns about the alleged misuse of legal frameworks to silence independent reporting. He accused the administration of using defamation laws, national security provisions, and stringent statutes like the UAPA as “tools of intimidation” rather than instruments of justice.

Key Statistics Highlighted by Kharge:

• 2014–2020: Over 135 journalists were reportedly arrested, detained, or interrogated.
• 2014–2023: 36 journalists were imprisoned.
• Persecution: A sharp rise in journalists being booked under “draconian laws” for performing their professional duties.

Flagging Violence Against Journalists

The senior leader also pointed to a disturbing pattern of violence and impunity. He cited specific cases of journalists murdered in various states—including Raghvendra Bajpai (UP), Mukesh Chandrakar (Chhattisgarh), Rajeev Pratap Singh (Uttarakhand), and Dharmendra Singh Chauhan (Haryana)—alleging they were targeted for reporting on corruption and public interest issues.

Furthermore, he accused the “BJP-RSS government” of attempting to tighten its grip on digital platforms and social media to silence independent voices that persist in asking tough questions.

Greetings on INTUC Foundation Day

Beyond the critique of press freedom, Kharge also extended his heartfelt greetings on the 79th Foundation Day of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC). He renewed his party’s commitment to social justice, promising to fight for the rights and social security of gig workers, unorganized sector laborers, and artisans.

Disclaimer

This article is a news report based on public statements and social media posts made by political leaders. The views expressed are those of the individual politician and their respective party. This report is intended for informational purposes and does not imply an endorsement of any political ideology.

The post World Press Freedom Day: “Democratic Watchdog Gravely Compromised,” Claims Mallikarjun Kharge in Sharp Critique of Centre appeared first on Mission Ki Awaaz.

During this time, the Congress workers said that the central BJP government is weakening MNREGA by adopting anti-poor, anti-labor, and anti-farmer policies. The Congress workers said that the central BJP government has changed the name of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) and made several anti-people changes, which are completely unacceptable to the people of the country.

Pramod Tiwari, spokesperson for the Hindaun Dehat Block Congress Committee, said that the protest, which lasted from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, had Congress’s Hindaun Assembly in-charge Ravi Gurjar as the chief guest, and Hindaun Dehat Block Congress Committee President Yogendra Singh Mawai and District President of the Congress Women’s Wing Shardo Gurjar as special guests.

The protest was presided over by former District President and former Pradhan of Congress, Shivraj Meena. Addressing the protest, Congress’s Hindaun Assembly in-charge Ravi Gurjar said that the central government is ending the guarantee that was given during the Congress regime under the MNREGA scheme and is blacking out the scheme.

He added that previously, the central government contributed 100% of the funds for this scheme, but now the state government will have to bear 40% of the cost. We will not allow this arbitrary action of the central BJP government to continue. Therefore, this public awareness campaign, which started on January 3rd, will continue throughout the country and the state until January 29th.

Hindaun Dehat Block Congress Committee President Yogendra Singh Mawai said that the central government has destroyed the original form of MNREGA, which until now was a safety net for the lives of the poor. State Congress Committee Secretary Rajiv Shukla, former Pradhan Shivraj Meena,

and District President of the Congress Women’s Wing Shardo Gurjar said that these people have seized power through vote manipulation and are now changing names and shutting down welfare schemes, starting anti-people programs instead.

In the protest, State Congress Committee Secretary Rajiv Shukla, senior Congress leader Battu Member, Block Spokesperson Pramod Tiwari, Mohar Singh Saini, Vishram Meena, Ved Prakash Sharma, Dharam Singh Meena Patelpura, Hari Singh Subedar, Om Prakash Shukla, Kedar Meena, Purushottam Banshiwal, Kamlesh Mahawar,

Shyam Sundar Saini, Brijesh Bhardwaj, Rahul Meena, Rinku Meena, Jagdish Bhankar Dhandawali, Rampratap Parashar, Kalla Khan, Nawab Khan, Prem Raj Meena, Magan Meena, Atar Meena, Dilip Mahawar, Gaurav Singhal, Bhagwan Singh Bhukrawali, Manoj Mawai, Om Prakash Samadhiya, Rakesh Shukla, and a large number of other Congress office-bearers and workers were present.

During the protest, Congress workers from Surauth welcomed and honored Ravi Gurjar, the Congress in-charge for the Hindaun Assembly constituency, by presenting him with a sapling of wheat.

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