Bhubaneswar: It seems Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been given wrong advice by ‘someone’ about the decision of his party, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), of boycotting programmes and debates of OTV, said senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury on Thursday.
In an exclusive interview, Chowdhury asserted that media is the fourth pillar of democracy. “I am shocked as I personally have respects for Naveen Ji as he is polished and a rational man. I think he has been given wrong advice,” said Chowdhry.
She further stated that, “It is absolutely wrong as media has right to criticize and if they (BJD) are hurt by something, they should sort it out instead of imposing a ban.”
Not only Renuka Chowdhury, Press Club of India (PCI) president Gautam Laharia too condemned the BJD's decision of not allowing its leaders to speak or give views to the channel and urged CM Naveen to reconsider such decision.
Similarly, politicians cutting across party lines have condemned the move of BJD to muzzle the media in Odisha.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that BJD seems to be intolerant towards criticism which is not health for democracy.
“It is really unfortunate the way BJD announced the boycott against a leading media house in Odisha. One should always have a mentality to accept and face criticism rather than becoming intolerant,” said Pradhan.
"It is wrong to boycott any media house for political reasons. If the move is politically-motivated, I consider it inappropriate" said Parliamentarian Subhash Chandra.
"OTV is a respected television channel and telecasts news appropriately. Nobody has alleged the channel of being biased. Such a step is directly an attack on the press," said Congress leader, PL Punia.
“Everyone should put forth their views and left it on public to decide on who is saying the truth," said Congress MP Ranjib Biswal.
"Officer at third floor is controlling all the affairs of BJD and he must have directed for such decision of boycotting OTV," said BJP leader Suresh Pujari.
Earlier, while addressing a press conference on Wednesday BJD spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Pratap Deb had alleged that OTV was giving undue importance to inappropriate issues and attempting to confuse the people of Odisha by repeated telecast of such news.
Deb said that the news channel is targeting the ruling party and the State government especially after the suspension of Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda from BJD.
Refuting the BJD allegations, Kendrapara MP said that the party should use the channel's platform to put forth its views instead of boycotting it.
“OTV never suppresses any story, shows every allegation against ALL parties (including me too!) while providing enough chance to respond/clarify. BJD had no issue until allegations against Pandian (to which he/BJD refuse to respond!). My advice: clarify allegations instead of boycotting," Panda tweeted.