Nation’s press freedom in tatters under BJP rule at Centre, says Stalin

CHENNAI: Chief Minister

MK Stalin on Friday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP regime at the Centre for muzzling media and said that press freedom in India is in tatters.

In his message on the X platform, Stalin said, “On World Press Freedom Day, let’s confront the harsh reality: under BJP’s rule, India’s press freedom is in tatters.” The DMK leader slammed the Modi government saying, “With low rankings in the Press Freedom Index, and the murders of journalists like Gauri Lankesh and Kalburgi, along with constant intimidation of journalists like Siddique Kappan, Rana Ayyub, and many others who dare to speak truth to power, the BJP rule paints a sorry picture for #PressFreedom.”

“As we celebrate the role of the press in democracy, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of free speech and ensuring journalists can work without fear or oppressive censorship,” the Chief Minister added.

Minister condoles death of Daily Thanthi senior journalist

State information minister MP Saminathan condoled the demise of veteran Daily Thanthi journalist I Shanmuganathan, a recipient of the Kalaignar Ezhuthukol Award for 2021. In his condolence message, minister Saminathan hailed 70 years of yeoman service rendered by Shanmuganathan, who joined as a sub-editor of Daily Thanthi in 1953 during the period of its founder Si Pa Aditanar.

The minister also pointed out the journalist’s contributions as an author of Varalatru Suvadakal, a book published by Daily Thanthi, which sold over one lakh copies. An author of books like Oru Tamizhan Paarvayil Irupatham Nootrandu Varalaaru (history of 20th century in the perspective of a Tamilan) and karkaalam muthal computer kaalam (from stone age to computer age), Shanmuganathan’s demise is a great loss to the field of Tamil journalism, minister Saminathan added.