PNS | DEHRADUN
The Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded the resignation of Pradesh Congress Committee president Karan Mahra following allegations of an attack on journalists during a sports event held at the Police Line in Dehradun on Wednesday. The State president of BJP Mahendra Bhatt strongly condemned the incident, terming it a direct assault on the freedom of the press, which he described as democracy’s fourth pillar.
He said that an altercation occurred when journalists present at the event reportedly requested the Congress leaders, including Mahra, to maintain order. The situation escalated, allegedly leading to senior Congress leaders attacking the journalists. The BJP has attributed the incident to Congress’ frustration over consecutive electoral defeats in the State. Bhatt criticised the Congress party, accusing it of hostility toward various sections of society, including the media, in its desperation. “After losing in Kedarnath, Congress seems to view everyone as its rival.
Attacking the Press, the fourth pillar of democracy, is an assault on democracy itself and is unacceptable,” Bhatt stated. He called for Mahra to step down on moral grounds, emphasising that such actions undermine the democratic fabric of the nation. He said that the incident has sparked significant outrage, with media professionals condemning the behaviour of the party workers. He urged the Congress party to introspect and ensure accountability, as acts of aggression against journalists could have severe implications for democracy.
