Kharge Slams BJP-RSS for Declining Press Freedom

On World Press Freedom Day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the BJP-RSS, condemning the steady decline in India's press freedom. Since 2014, India's ranking has plummeted to 157th position, a drop Kharge attributes to the systematic suppression of independent journalism by the ruling party.

Kharge accused the BJP-RSS of manipulating legal frameworks to target media outlets, rendering them mere mouthpieces for the government. He highlighted the alarming trend of violence against journalists, particularly those daring to report on corruption and societal issues in BJP-governed states.

As press freedom faces growing threats, Kharge called for introspection and adherence to democratic principles. He warned against normalizing deviations from press freedoms, urging the government to uphold democratic norms and values, lest they incur irreversible damage to institutions and their citizens.

(With inputs from agencies.)