Panjab Media Didn’t Report Massive Rally in Support of Independent Journalism

A large number of people, including media and civil society organizations, showed up for a rally in support of independent journalists and activists in Bathinda on 24 Jan. The protesters first staged a sit-in outside the Deputy Commissioner's office and later staged a demonstration in the city. The organizers said that in the coming days, such rallies will be held in central and north Panjab as well. While social media was full of images, videos and speeches from the rally, it was surprising to see the rally missing from the coverage of most of the mainstream newspapers of Panjab. Furthermore, independent YouTube channels that came to prominence during the Farmers Protest 1 (2020–21) also neglected to cover the protest. This points to the control of the Aam Aadmi Party government on the media in the state. Chairman of Punjab Human Rights Organisation, Justice Ranjit Singh said, ‘The government is suppressing the media so its truths do not reach people.’ Meanwhile, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the apex body of Indian National Congress, met on 22 Jan to discuss infighting among its leaders in Panjab. After the meeting CWC issued a stern warning to all its leaders to refrain from making public statements against each other, adding that there will be no leadership change in the state until the next elections in 2027. The latest provocation came from former Panjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who asked for representation of marginalized castes in the INC Panjab Scheduled Caste committee meeting which was held behind closed doors. Despite this, Channi’s clip was recorded and surfaced in the media, leading to questions as to who had done it. The CWC has not looked into the matter, leading to many Panjab INC leaders asking the party to not undermine Channi. Concurrently, Bharatiya Janata Party, INC and AAP are gearing up for the Chandigarh mayoral elections on 29 Jan. BJP has 18 councilors, AAP has 11, and INC has 6. Chandigarh INC Member of Parliament Manish Tiwari also has a vote. BJP is fielding Saurabh Joshi, INC is fielding Gurpreet Singh Gabi, and AAP is fielding Yogesh Dhingra for the mayor's post (earlier coverage).