Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Administrator
Something strange happened early morning on Monday when journalists were restricted by security guards to go towards Makar Dwar at Parliament.
What is Makar Dwar?
It’s the gate which is frequently utilised by parliamentarians for entering and exiting the parliaments and this is the spot where they interact with media persons and answer their questions.
Not only were they prevented from going there they were also instructed to remain in a glass enclosure within the parliament complex. As a result of this, the journalists went on silent protest within the premise itself and refused to take any bytes from any parliamentarians.
So, why has this issue started now?
It has been reported that it was a concern by some parliamentarians that they have no space to walk while passing through Makar Dwar as a result they wanted it to be cleared. However, there’s another reason which is being reported. Few days ago, farmers leaders came to meet the Leader of Opposition of Lok Sabha, and during that time they gave bytes to the media. As per the rule only MPs can give bytes to the media at such places.
Reactions from Opposition: Following the silent protests by journalists, oppositions took the matter into their own hands and raised their voices against it in parliament and on other platforms.
Rahul Gandhi told Speaker Om Birla: “Sir, I would request you to allow the media, who have been restricted to a cage, to move out.”
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien, who met the journalists in the enclosure, along with Congress MP Karti Chidambaram and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, called the measure a form of “censorship”. “This is completely unacceptable. We are with you in this fight,” O’Brien said.
RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha posted a picture of himself standing next to the media enclosure, and said it reflected “the sick state of democracy”. “Media friends cannot go beyond this cage-like place… this is the new order. This is the latest picture of the sick state of our democracy.”
Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha wrote to House Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar urging that the journalists be allowed “free movement”, and provided adequate facilities.
Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee called the measure an “act of autocracy”. “The Opposition should stand together against this dictatorial act.”
Reassurance from the speaker:
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has been reassured to solve the situation on two-front. He told the floor leaders at the BAC that he would constitute an all-party committee to address the issue and give suggestions. Speaker Birla also met a journalist delegation and assured them that all their grievances would be addressed and better facilities provided to them to discharge their duties.
Written By – Shivam, Lawyer and Public Policy Professional
