The AIADMK on Thursday. 5 February 2026, accused the Tamil Nadu government of attempting to stifle press freedom, citing messages shared in a WhatsApp group of visual media editors linked to the State’s Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
Referring to a conversation in the “Visual Media Editors – DIPR TN Budget” group, the AIADMK stated that concerns had been raised internally about pressure being exerted on media houses over news coverage.
In a statement on its social media handle, the party questioned the nature of governance in the State, asking: “Is what is happening in Tamil Nadu today democracy or monarchy? Is it democratic rule or authoritarianism?”
Calling the media “the voice of the people,” the AIADMK said any attempt to suppress that voice was “an act against the very philosophy of democracy.”
The party alleged that interference in media freedom, coupled with officials being used to issue threats and pressure, reflected what it termed the government’s “high-handed and anarchic functioning.”
Citing the WhatsApp exchange, the statement said a senior television editor had directly expressed anger against what was described as the government’s “repressive approach,” terming it a sign of mounting frustration within journalistic circles.
The AIADMK further asserted: “Deciding how and for how long a news item should be broadcast is the professional right of media editors. Interference in that is an authoritarian mindset.”
Recalling the recent incident where journalists were attacked by a DMK MLA for investigating and reporting on the illegal quarrying, the party said the episode had already exposed the government’s “anti-media face,” adding that such acts amounted to attacks on citizens’ right to information.
Issuing a warning to officials, the opposition said those “drawing salaries from taxpayers’ money and acting at the behest of the regime” should remember that political change was inevitable.
The party also addressed Chief Minister MK Stalin directly, urging the government to “immediately abandon such anti-democratic attempts to suppress the media.”
It concluded by assuring that if neutral media organisations or journalists faced intimidation, the AIADMK would stand “as a protective shield” to defend press freedom.
தமிழ்நாட்டில் இன்று நடப்பது மக்களாட்சியா,
இல்லை மன்னராட்சியா?
ஜனநாயகமா, அல்லது சர்வாதிகாரமா?ஊடகம் என்பது மக்களின் குரல்.
அந்தக் குரலை ஒடுக்க நினைப்பது
மக்களாட்சி தத்துவத்திற்கே எதிரான செயல்.ஊடக சுதந்திரத்தில் தலையிட்டு,
அரசு அதிகாரிகளை ஏவி
மிரட்டலும் அழுத்தமும் கொடுக்கும்… pic.twitter.com/6gGN03uNTK— AIADMK – SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 5, 2026
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
