New Delhi: Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami and Congress locked horns Thursday after the former allegedly used “derogatory” words against interim party chief Sonia Gandhi during a discussion on his channel about the Palghar lynching incident.
The face-off began Thursday when Goswami lodged a police complaint in Mumbai after his car was allegedly attacked by two bike-borne men Wednesday around midnight when he was returning to his Worli residence with his wife. According to Goswami, the two attackers were Youth Congress workers.
After the incident, Goswami in a video called Sonia Gandhi the “biggest coward in this country” and said “if anything were to happen to him, it is Sonia Gandhi who will be responsible”.
#BREAKING | Arnab's message after being physically attacked by Congress goons #SoniaGoonsAttackArnab https://t.co/RZHKU3fdmK pic.twitter.com/SdAvoerhIH
— Republic (@republic) April 22, 2020
Goswami filed the complaint at NM Joshi Marg police station in Mumbai, following which two accused were arrested and an FIR filed against them.
ThePrint reached Goswami for a comment on the matter, but is yet to receive a response.
Meanwhile, Congress wings in various states — Maharashtra, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Punjab — filed police complaints against Goswami Wednesday and Thursday. Most of these complaints alleged that he used derogatory language against Gandhi and made “inflammatory statements” during discussions on the Palghar incident on his channel.
Goswami in one of his shows broadcast Tuesday on Republic Bharat — the Hindi wing of Republic TV — made a remark about Gandhi’s Italian origin during a discussion on the Palghar lynching incident and said she is “happy” that the saints have been killed in a state ruled by her party.
“Will Sonia Gandhi remain quiet? She is quiet today and she is happy that the saints have been killed where her government is ruling. She will send a report to Italy that she is getting saints killed in a place where her government is ruling and she will get praises for that,” he said on the show.
Also read: If Uddhav Thackeray bows before Arnab Goswami’s dare, he will only weaken himself before BJP
Denouncing ‘attack’ on Goswami’s car
The alleged attack on Goswami was denounced by several politicians on Twitter.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar condemned the “attempt to attack Arnab Goswami”.
“We condemn every attack on any journalist. This is against democracy and it is really ironical that those who preach tolerance have become so intolerant,” he said.
We condemn the attempt to attack Arnab Goswami. We condemn every attack on any journalist. This is against democracy and it is really ironical that those who preach tolerance have become so intolerant. Therefore we condemn this attempt: Information and Broadcasting Minister pic.twitter.com/enblQjHC7P
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2020
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said Goswami’s complaint and absence of his security people should be investigated, and the guilty should be punished.
Mr Goswami says he was attacked. Just because he calls the people he doesn’t like liars doesn’t mean we have to do the same. His complaint & absence of his security people should be throughly investigated & the facts brought to light so any guilty people are punished.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 23, 2020
Congress leader Ahmed Patel also slammed the alleged attack and said “the law should take its own course”.
Constitution of India must be followed by all
It guarantees freedom of expression,but not libel
FoE can’t be used by propagandists to inject poison into society
Also, FoE doesn’t allow anyone to throw ink at such people.
The law should take its own course
— Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) April 23, 2020
In a press release Thursday, the Press Council of India (PCI) took a suo motu cognisance of the matter and asked the Maharashtra government to submit a report in connection with the case.
The PCI statement, however, also said: “Violence is not the answer even against bad journalism”.
Complaints by Congress
Congress sources told ThePrint that a majority of the police complaints against Goswami have come from Chhattisgarh. They, however, didn’t specify the number of complaints filed against Goswami in the state.
An FIR was registered in Raipur against Goswami over separate complaints by Chhattisgarh Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo and state Congress president Mohan Markam.
According to the complaints, the anchor during a debate on his channel used words and statements that led to inciting people for riots. It further stated during the same debate, he used derogatory language against Gandhi and made baseless allegations of communal nature against her.
Another FIR was filed against Goswami in Raipur based on a complaint by district president of Congress Girish Dubey for allegedly spreading fake news related to the Covid-19 outbreak.
In Nagpur, Maharashtra, an FIR was filed late Wednesday night against Goswami by Maharashtra Power Minister Nitin Raut.
The FIR alleged giving provocation with intent to cause riot, promoting enmity between two groups on grounds of religion or race, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs and defamation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
In Bihar too, an FIR was filed by Congress leader Kokab Kadri for allegedly spreading hatred and making indecent remarks against Gandhi.
Delhi Congress president Anil Chaudhary also lodged a complaint with the police for registration of an FIR against Goswami.
In Punjab also, an FIR was filed on a complaint by Harmohinder Singh Grover, chairman of Punjab Congress’ Freedom Fighter Cell.
‘Outrage’ of Congress supporters
The Congress termed the multiple FIRs and police complaints against Goswami “spontaneous” and an “outrage” of party supporters.
AICC secretary in-charge, communications, Pranav Jha told ThePrint the Congress has faced continuous agenda-driven journalism in particular sections of media earlier too, but has always been tolerant.
“What has happened in the recent episode involving Republic Bharat TV is unfortunate. The reaction that you see through lodging of complaints and FIRs are spontaneous and triggered by outrage of our workers and supporters,” he said.
“Freedom of expression and responsibility to not misuse it for baseless abuse and hate mongering is what is expected from any of us and we hope that in this matter the law will take its own course,” Jha added.
Congress general secretary Mukul Wasnik, meanwhile, said Goswami has “lost complete mental balance”.
“Strongly condemn Arnab Goswami’s attack on Smt Sonia Gandhi. He is full of venom, partisan, abusive and has lost complete mental balance. It’s time that journalists should come out and disown him,” he tweeted Wednesday.
Also read: How not to report: A lesson from Republic TV, Times Now, ABP covering Bandra migrants
I strongly condemn the attack to Chief Editor of Arnab Goswami attacked the car who is her wife also in the car. Govt, of India declared Ordinance to protect doctors, nurses and para medical staff. This is not only time journalists and photographers attacked but also they were killed by the public in the banner of political parties. In Tamil Nadu veteran weekly founder S. Balasubramanian was sentenced to jail during MGR regime. Nakkeeran Editor R R Gopal also sentenced to jail by Jayalalitha regime. Many reporters, freelance journalists and photographers also still attacked, some times they were killed. We proudly said that we are fourth estate/pillar democracy. In my own opinion there is only three legged man in Congress. Central govt., should consider the Arnab Goswami as a international press matter and declared Ordinance to protect all section of press. Not classified as accredated and non accredited, totally press&media.In TN Periyar @ E V Ramasamy nailed instructed his party man to hold a knife with every one his follower. Sikh any where in the world permit sword with them. Even Shivsena workers also hold a weapon. Therefore central govt., to declared Ordinance to press in India and save/repair fourth estate/pillar was damaged very long years in any part of India, including rationalist authors. Yours sincerely, s s shampath, former Secretary, Salem Reporters Guild, Salem and BJP Salem West Sthan President and Active member 9139
We are people who treat and respect women as Goddess. Whether she a great lady or poor villager,we Indians always address them respectfully. Especially when they are old enough to be your mother’s age. Poltics or political news reporting does not give any body any rights to demean a women especially when she is 72years old. I am not judging anyone. It just feels bad that a defenseless women is dragged into unnecessary controversy, any respectfull son would feel bad even if she is not his own mother.
In Indian folklore Surpnakha and Tarka were killed, and first their noses were cut off. Bad people must be destroyed. Sonia Gandhi is by no means defenceless, She and her minions are the aggressor and violators of civilioze4d conduct
If anyone open anybody’s Mask then the freedom of expression disappeared, attacks appear.
After linching, killing of the saints the so-called secularists become silent, who will explain for it?
Most of TV media anchors are not doing journalism In real sense.They are behaving like an authority {Boss} & shout at the participants, ask questions as if they are responsible for the issue.
They should take the views & put it logically. Who has given them power to decide who is culprit. These people have become fighters not journalist. Taking countary image to negative. Min. of information is also permitting them to go beyond limits. Very bad. We should improve .
Just ask for silence of on chosen matter is so heinous crime that every Congress government is behind a journalist?
Very ridiculous and shameful behaviour of the party ruled our country for more than 60 years, it reminds 1975 black days again, when speaking truth was crime.
Means this old grand party will fall more deep to be stand again. Shame shame
INC is not a political party but a private business company. No Congress leaders have guts to say truly & correctly against their CEO. Tukde tukde gangs is the sole product of this company.
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Arnab is actually not jurnalist he is puppet of some people he should learn jurnalism from Mr ravish Kumar jai hind ??
Using such words’ derogatory ‘ and inflammatory humours to a particular party is indicates that the journalist is sold and this is a bigger crime.
Also he haven’t any proof against the congress party which define that congress party attacked their car. Being a jounalists, he had to keep his word with the facts.
Arnab is hero, Sonia is filthy mulla appeaser bitch.we hate Congress. May God wipe it out from map of mighty India & get rid of such enemy of nation.Aenab Zindabaad
So called seculars and lutyens of the country are sleeping? They conveniently sleep at these of incidents. And when such people are questioned, their disciples can attack any one. Freedom of speech only allowed for these pseudo-secular and all others are expected to be pet dogs to wag-tail at their voices.
India is experiencing 2nd wave of freedom since 2014 and those who kept this country enslaved are restless now. Their time’is over now. They have to face an Arnab in every nook and corner now.
He is a depression patient urgently need psychiatric .
A loose cannon!
You can term it as prostitution of T M C ism
This attack is fake and no reality
Sonia in a Italian by birth. It is true. She can not hold the top post in India. As a party worker she is a member of the party only. 2 sanits who are killed in attack. That is crime against Hinduism. India is Democratic country. No matter if any Journalist called Sonia Gandhi is a Italian person. It is true and genuine language. Journalism is journalism. True is true.
Simple. Goswami got mad.
Freedom of speech does not mean truth should be suppressed. It is not one community and one party can have freedom of speech. They should be opened debate of any topic. If anybody religious sentiments are hurt does tat mean one should tolerate another persons ignorance. If we have to evolve we have to debate. There should not be fascism even at religious level, political level.
Arnab ji , you are great ! Doesn’t matter what the fake liberals say. Have lost mental balance with out money and power. All Hindustani except those believe in Pakistan jindabad, Bharat tere tukde honge, Asam will be separated from India are with you.
Where is the need of dragging Sonia Gandhi’s name in the Palghar incident. This government has given him utter liberty to malign anyone who is against them. He always spew venom of hatred whenever he opens his mouth. He acts like a super spokesman of the government. You take any incident be it Jamia, JNU, Shaheen Bagh, Delhi riots, Tablighi jamaat and any other look at his presentation. He not only anchors the debate but also behaves like a judge by awarding the punishment to the alleged accused irrespective of their guilt is proved or not. The prime duty of media in a democracy is to represent the people. He is a blot on India’s journalism.
Not concerned about who Arnab is but it is necessary to weaken the islamist-leftist-liberals, played at the foreign moguls with huge dollar dope. It is really difficult to resist easy money. But while we look at these so called ILLs who blatantly pampering anti-national sentiments but many of us is not understanding it, it becomes dangerous. Their sectoral approach for different sections of people and using every other incident for vote catching shows their real selfish character. They think themselves as manager of the country and spend public money the way they like. It must be blocked.
Rude and terrible journalist in India . Arnab Goswami
The reaction to the death of 2 swamis is something that should have been handled faster and better by the Shiv Sena and Congress. It is their delay and silence that is deafening. And, yes, Arnab did take this issue loudly and clearly. What was probably a mob related accident has now escalated to a dog fight. The Congress continues to flounder. Sense and sensibility seems to have deserted this once proud Political party. And yes, the presence of a widow, her son and daughter are today the biggest deterrent to the party’s revival. All Congress supporters should pray that they leave voluntarily and let true patriots take centre stage.
Long live ARNAB for taking head-on myth of so called psydosecularism contractors in this country. The whole nation with you. Keep it up
The nation must know that ” who in Italy is interested in getting reports of hindu priests getting killed”, Arnab must reveal his intelligence investigative reports about who Mrs Sonia Gandhi is reporting to. As far as the world knows Italy and other countries are focused in eradication of corona virus, nation must know which other virus is operating .
No matter whoever the journalist is, it’s shameful to see that so called secularists blind eye towards the innocent saints killed Infront of Maha police ruled by Congress coalition….
If the same thing happened to any person of other community there journalism reporting would have been different. The only very few journalist likeA rnab asking that tough questions to Congress coalition and so called secularists….Hats off to Arnab…..
We are with you…..
Many other journalist are sold out to vested interest and speaks for their boses and paymasters staying abroad.
For Indian journalism, Arnab is a dark spot on journalism.
Arnab tells truth. Some people do not like it.
From where did his wife got out during Lockdown. She should be booked for same. He is a funded journalist. Feku
Congress has lost the public sympathies for misgovernance. They have utterly failed in all fields. They are shattered.
They talk of intolerence which is clearly reflected by heneious & barbaric attracts on media & journalists with high morality.
Media should join their hands against this vulnerable attack & defeat michief mongers & teach lessons to power hungry regimes who beleive in dynastic raj in democratic scenario.
He is not a Journalist. He is BJP spokesperson.
I take him as Comedian and his channel in Entertainment segment and nothing else.
How Congress leader Rahul used freedom of speech when he called the PM of India Chore and his samchas called him as chawla etc
Arnab goswami represents a backlash for what congress establishment has done to this country in last 70 years.The ruinous socialist policies, blind eye to national security issues,minority appeasment and host of other ruinous acts to reduce the country to the level of pakistan when china reached the level of US.
Why there was no hue and cry when the present PM was called maut ka sugadar, neech insan etc.
When will andhhakts like you will wake up.there is a difference between an individual saying something and a journalist who is misusing his channel for propaganda.
Arnab is one of the few journalists in India who have exposed the Anti-national elements who were hiding under the garb of secularism & constitution. He also exposed the hypocrisy of these so called secular & liberals.
He has sold his profession and conscience! He can do anything! He is a shame to Humanity and journalism.
He wants Publicity.The way he shouts talks arrongantly ,and talks I’ll is not to become journalist unless he has full support to accuse without proof.He talks whatever comes to his mouth.It is high time he should have been dragged to the ld court.
Arnab is brave enough to face coward congressi …..Most honest and nationalists support him …..Muslims and gaddar congress are anti varnan no wonder they are anti nationals too
This idiot is a disgrace to journalism as he sold his ideology and got his organization funded by their political wing to destroying the country
Goswami is the superspreder of hate like his boss BJP, hell with u goswami
It is a typical case of hyper journalism gambling for otherwise not required popularity with high stakes.
It is anybody’s guess that, it is a paid media and the debate is only who pays when for what.
Nevertheless such attempts keep the interested and affected occupied for at least a day and in certain cases for few more days.
By doing this they are responsible for debacle of Indias oldest party
Pura desh apke st h sir arnab sir u r great
ThePrint always takes delight in bringing up anti-establishment issues. This is how journalism ought to be. Keep it up!
Imaging a political party of national scale who has ruled and raped india for 50 years is now afraid of a small news channel who are not even 1 percentage of their scale and size
Instead of coming out in the open and start participating in public discourses and taking active part in resolving issues of national concern , the political party send 2 youth congress members to injure/kill an honest and hardworking journalist and thus stifle the life of media which is the 4th part of Indian democracy.
This huge political party whose chairman is richer than the queen of England and whose party workers are all crorepatis across the country, by looting the hard earned money of the poor Indians ,has decided to file 200 fIR’s across the country against Arnab.
Imagine when this political party was in power what not they must have done to stop the democratic voices who had the courage to challenge their corruption and nepotism.
They not only send their own persons on constitutional positions, they used their position and power to loot the country and all the wealth and booty was shared by them honestly eventually leaving the common man and the honest taxpayers to lurch and poverty
Don’t you all think it’s high time to dump this political party forever from the Indian political scenario and take the path of honesty and growth .
I know Arnab from NDTV. He is a particular kind of Scu m. Bharat can take care of it’s transgressors and the holy land will rise up consume all the sc um including Arnab…
So called liberals and leftists are maintaining silence. They aren’t interested now since it’s against Hindus. Had any Muslim or Christian being lynched, they would have come to street and do all kinds of protests. People are getting aware of this slowly.
He should be arrest as soon as possible, he is a dark spot on journalism.
Arnab goswami patrakaar ke naam per ek kalank hai aur aur usko agar jara si bhi sharm ho to is desh hai is desh ke a dharm se mafi mange desh Ka dharm na Hindu hai na Muslim hai Congress hai na BJP desh ham logon se banta hai desh is desh ki Janata se banta hai naki arnab goswami Jaise a patrakaaron per propaganda se banta hai