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The greater good of the country and planet must prevail, with the 4th estate, “Journalism!”
Ironically, my own grandfather Pandit Devraj Sharma was President of his political party 50 years ago, in New Delhi, and in 1885, the Indian Congress Party was originally created by the British botanist: Allan Octavian Hume. The irony is the party of the British botanist persists while the Indian descendant of Maharishi Bhardwaj and his party is in the ash heap of history!
The political leanings of Indian media have been a topic of much debate, as a media/tech critic myself, as an ex-Gartner analyst, and a former consultant to Ofcom, ironically the regulatory body in the UK.
Some argue that many Indian media outlets have a left-leaning bias, while others believe that the media landscape is more diverse and includes a range of political perspectives.
Left-Leaning Media
Certain media outlets in India are often perceived as left-leaning. These include publications and channels like The Wire, NDTV, The Hindu, The Print.in, India Today, and Scroll.in. These outlets are known for their critical stance on the current government and their focus on issues such as social justice, minority rights, and secularism.
Diverse Media Landscape
However, it’s important to note that the Indian media landscape is diverse. There are also media outlets that are perceived as right-leaning or supportive of the current government, such as OpIndia,com, Republic TV, Times Now, and Zee News. This diversity ensures that a variety of viewpoints are represented in the media.
Ironically, I have personally published in both OpIndia and ThePrint.IN and in the US, I am quoted in the Wall Street Journal, and CNN, or in the UK in the Financial Times and The Guardian.
Criticism of Media Bias and the Political Landscape in India
Critics argue that labeling media as leftist or rightist oversimplifies the complex nature of journalism. Media bias can stem from various factors, including ownership, funding sources, and editorial policies. It’s crucial for consumers to critically evaluate news sources and seek information from multiple outlets to get a balanced perspective.
The political landscape in India has seen various leaders accused of adopting authoritarian principles. Chief Ministers like Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (former Maharashtra CM), and Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi) have often been compared to former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi in this regard.
Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee has faced criticism for her handling of dissent and opposition in West Bengal. Allegations of police being used to suppress political rivals and curb protests have been frequent. Her administration has been accused of stifling free speech and using state machinery to maintain control.
Uddhav Thackeray
During his tenure as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray was also accused of authoritarian practices. Critics pointed to instances where the police were allegedly used to target political opponents and journalists. The arrest of Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami was cited as an example of such tactics.
Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has similarly faced allegations of using the police to control dissent. His administration has been accused of targeting political adversaries and using state resources to consolidate power. His party’s weaponization of the police to falsely imprison a TIMES NOW reporter is cited as evidence here.
Historical Influence
These leaders are often seen as following in the footsteps of Indira Gandhi, who imposed the Emergency in 1975, and Rajiv Gandhi, who faced criticism for his handling of the Bofors scandal, and his incitement of a Sikh Genocide, which stemmed from his mother’s attack on the Golden Temple with False Russian evidence, as I wrote in: “With the CBI charge against Tytler; how should we look at it?”
The use of police and state machinery to control political narratives and suppress opposition has been a recurring theme in Indian politics.
Conclusion
“The Indian Left, once a beacon of progressive thought and social justice, has been eclipsed by a media landscape dominated by sensationalism and political allegiance. It’s time to reclaim this critical space. By fostering a new Left-of-Center media that is uncompromising in its pursuit of truth, relentless in its demand for accountability, and unwavering in its commitment to positive change, India can ignite a much-needed intellectual and political revolution.”
Bio: Akshay Sharma is a Media and Tech consultant, an engineer, ex-Gartner analyst, and board member of Somy Ali’s No More Tears. He writes on issues of national importance, aiming to shed light on the intricate connections that shape our society. He helped convince the FAA ARINC, Boeing, Honeywell, and Airbus on Avionics and Spaceship fly-by-wire standards used currently. He convinced the FAA ARINC to allow WiFi in planes, in the 2008 timeframe. His opinions are personal.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.