In a recent interview conducted by The News Minute’s Shabbir Ahmed, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, and DMK chief MK Stalin was subjected to a series of soft questions, once again proving the news outlet’s so-called “impartiality and journalistic integrity”. Despite the myriad pressing issues facing Tamil Nadu, TNM chose to lob easy questions at Stalin, further solidifying its reputation as a de facto mouthpiece for the DMK.
TNM failed to hold Stalin accountable for his government’s failures and shortcomings. Instead, the interview largely revolved around the BJP and non-existent issues, allowing Stalin to deflect responsibility and evade scrutiny.
One of the most egregious oversights was TNM’s failure to question the alarming rise in caste-based violence and discrimination, especially the Vengaivayal incident, under Stalin’s watch. Instances of caste crimes have become rampant in Tamil Nadu, yet TNM conveniently chose to sidestep such crucial issues. By centering the discourse around the BJP, TNM effectively allowed Stalin to deflect attention away from his government’s unfulfilled promises and administrative failures.
Reproducing a few questions here for our readers to understand the quality of “journalism”.
“Q: Why have you termed this election as a fight between Democracy and Dictatorship?
A: The Indian Constitution has given fundamental rights to every citizen of India. The BJP rule led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the last 10 years is against every such right, it’s against secularism, diversity, federalism, and state autonomy. No one, no matter what side they take, can live peacefully and without fear in India today. People have been pushed to live with a constant sense of anxiety. The well-being of several states including Tamil Nadu have been ignored. All of this is against the ethos of democracy and the principle of cooperative federalism. The goal of the DMK and the INDIA alliance is to change this dangerous situation and reinstate democracy. The 2024 Lok Sabha election is the battlefield where the political parties who believe in democracy will defeat authoritarianism with the help of the people. I’ve been warning that if Modi comes to power once again, there will be no elections in India anymore. And yet, Modi has not denied my allegation even once!”
It is noteworthy that TNM has never once raised its voice against the freedom of speech issues that are being seen increasingly in Tamil Nadu. Oh, wait, why will a mouthpiece have an issue with that?
The Commune has covered the number of times citizens and political party members from the opposition have had cases filed against them in Tamil Nadu for posting something against the state government!
Here’s another one.
“Q: The BJP has taken a high moral ground on the electoral bond scheme. Has the opposition failed in cornering them?
A: The Supreme Court has ruled that electoral bonds are illegal. Based on the data released by the bank post the SC verdict, it came out in the open that the BJP used agencies like the ED and IT to threaten companies and collect huge funds. The people clearly understand how BJP has legalised corruption in an unprecedented manner.”
“Q: Opposition parties like the DMK too have been questioned for the kind of money they have got through bonds.
A: Our party treasurer transparently declared the details of funds we received through electoral bonds. DMK did not receive any funds as a quid-pro-quo. Nor did we use the government machinery to threaten anyone to get funds.”
No follow-up on that, and no question on why the DMK has received maximum funds from Lottery Martin. No questions were asked about their connection. But TNM will create article after article and “reports” how some random company is by default connected to the BJP.
Equally troubling is TNM’s apparent reluctance to confront Stalin on the pressing matter of the drug menace gripping Tamil Nadu. Despite a DMK member’s implication in the international drug bust just recently, TNM conspicuously failed to press the Chief Minister on this important issue. Under a regime like that of the DMK, where crucial issues are brushed aside, how can the common man trust any positive change if they were to assume power at the centre?
The media’s role as a watchdog is indispensable in a democracy, but TNM’s cozy relationship with the ruling party undermines this fundamental principle, compromising the public’s right to information and accountability.
Shabbir Ahmed was himself hounded by DMK goons, their editor-in-chief, Dhanya was hounded for her comments on Karunanidhi that she made in the past and yet the “ethics” disappear when it comes to the ruling party.
TNM’s softball interview with Stalin is a disservice to its audience and a betrayal of journalistic ethics. All their muscle flexing about “speaking truth to power” is only aimed at one party – the BJP. It only looks like their spine escapes through the posterior once they reach Arivalayam.
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