Modi, Irani
The PMO also received independent feedback and a senior PMO official spoke to at least two ministers before informing the Prime Minister about the developments, added a government functionary who asked not to be identified. A senior BJP functionary who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the guidelines and the adverse reaction were also discussed internally in the party and the feedback was passed on to the PMO.
After the PM was shown the reports and told about the feedback, he decided that the order be revoked. The senior PMO official called the I&B ministry and advised officials there that Monday’s statement be withdrawn. “The PMO also called an officer of the I&B ministry to say that the decision to scrap the fake news statement must be shared with the media quickly. After a few minutes, a PMO official actually dictated the exact text of the message that was supposed to be spread informally. The short message said, “Prime Minister has directed that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India”, ” the official added. The official is also believed to have spoken to I&B minister Irani.
I&B minister Smriti Irani subsequently called a few officers into her room and briefed them about the situation, two of the four officials cited in the first instance claimed. According to them, she pointed out that “there is overwhelming support in favour” of the I&B ministry’s stand against fake news and added that she had personally clarified certain things on Twitter. But in line the PMO’S directive, it was decided to issue a separate ministry statement clarifying that its release on the regulation “stands withdrawn”.
The Congress took the opportunity to hit out at the Centre and said the order to withdraw the statement stemmed from fear of a backlash. Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “Sensing mounting anger on the “fake news” notification, the PM orders a U-turn on his own order. One can clearly see a loss of control and panic setting in now.”
The withdrawn statement wasn’t without its supporters. The Press Council of India (PCI) , which according to the statement, was supposed to adjudicate complaints against print media journalists regarding fake news, supported the I&B ministry. PCI chairperson Justice CK Prasad said: “We have been having consultations on the menace of paid new and fake news for some time now. My personal view is that determination of paid and fake news and of the penal action depending on the severity and frequency of the occurrence should be done by an independent body such as the PCI and not by any government regulated body.”
The Editors Guild acknowledged’ the PMO’S intervention but said it remains ‘deeply disturbed’ that faith continues to be reposed on the Press Council of India to deliver justice on such issues.