New Delhi: Two journalist groups on Saturday criticized Congress leader Netta Rahul Gandhi for questioning the impartiality of media personnel, saying political leaders must use respectful language while addressing the media, especially in public places like Parliament.The reaction came after Gandhi addressed reporters outside Parliament earlier this week, asking them to be more objective in their reporting. Replying to a query on the finance minister considering issuing a privilege notice against him for his recent budget speech, the LoP said the media should not just repeat what was reported.The National Union of Journalists and the Delhi Journalists Association issued a joint statement condemning Gandhi’s remarks, calling them inappropriate. “The act of LoP targeting and insulting media personnel in this manner should be strongly condemned,” NUJ president Ras Bihar said, adding that such remarks amounted to an attack on press freedom and undermined the role of media in democracy.DJA president Rakesh Thapliyal and general secretary Pramod Kumar Singh said journalism exists to question those in power and provide accurate information to the public. They say linking the media to any particular political party undermines journalists’ professional dignity and independence.Rahul Gandhi had told reporters, “You are not exactly in the employ of the BJP. At least try something objective. This is really shameful. It’s too much.”
