The Congress party has announced its decision to boycott 14 news anchors, justifying this move by expressing concerns about the proliferation of divisive narratives and their detrimental impact on society. Pawan Khera, a senior leader of the party, clarified that their action was driven by a deep love for the nation rather than any hostility towards the anchors themselves. Khera accused these anchors of promoting a “shop of hatred” every evening.
In swift retaliation, the BJP condemned the move, highlighting what they claim is a historical pattern within the Congress of attempting to control and suppress the media. JP Nadda, the party’s chief, asserted that members of the Nehru-Gandhi family, including India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, had all made efforts to exert control over the media.
The News Broadcasters & Digital Association expressed deep concern over the decision by the opposition alliance to boycott certain anchors and shows. They deemed it incompatible with democratic values, branding it as intolerance that endangers press freedom.
This decision to boycott specific news anchors and their shows was taken during the first meeting of the INDIA coordination committee, convened at the residence of Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party. The opposition has consistently accused sections of the media of harboring hostility and spreading hateful narratives.
