Senior DMK leader Constantine Raveendran in an interview has said that journalists who criticize the party or its government would be ‘whacked’ and that they cannot claim freedom of expression in such cases.
In an interview to a YouTube channel, Constantine Raveendran said “We will accept those criticism that are true and justified and the DMK government is ready to correct itself in such cases. The government headed by MK Stalin is very patient and honest. Like him, we are also patient. But if you take our patience for granted, and speak or write whatever you feel like and claim it as ‘freedom of speech and expression’, then ‘whacking’ them is necessary in such cases (shows hand gestures that implies cutting off). They will be whacked for sure. There are no second thoughts about that.”
“For some, they need to be whacked in the tongue and they will be whacked in the tongue. For some their pen tends to go in a different direction while writing about the DMK. Their hands will also be whacked for sure.”, the DMK leader said.
He said that there is a gang that says/publishes anything without proof with the motive of defaming the government or the Chief Minister.
“For them, they would be whacked in their tongues and hands. It won’t be an act against freedom of speech and expression. It is to ensure that they write and say whatever is justified.” Constantine categorically said.
Apparently, this video was shared by the DMK leader himself in a WhatsApp group comprising of reporters of which he is a part of. Many in that group had objected to Constantine’s threats saying that such statements are not befitting of the party and the leader especially at a time like this.
Later he had clarified in the WhatsaApp group saying that it was meant for those criticizing the party on social media and not journalists requesting them to not take it in a wrong way.
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