Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani is known for not mincing her words even if her comments have potential to cause controversies. She has twice admonished the news agency Press Trust of India ever since she’s take over the charge of the I&B ministry.
On Friday, just when channels up and down the country broadcast live the spectacle of utter failure of administration in the BJP-ruled Haryana, Irani took to Twitter to issue a veiled warning to TV channels.
She wrote, “Drawing attention of News Channels to Clause B of Fundamental Std. of NBSA refraining channels from causing panic, distress & undue fear. Kindly note this advisory has been given by the offices of the National Broadcasters Association.”
Drawing attention of News Channels to Clause B of Fundamental Std. of NBSA refraining channels from causing panic, distress & undue fear.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 25, 2017
Kindly note this advisory has been given by the offices of the National Broadcasters Association.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 25, 2017
As if to balance her ‘warning’ for news channels, Irani also tweeted condemning the attack of reporters and cameramen and damage to their properties.
She wrote, “Attack on media, damage to property condemnable. Appeal to all to maintain peace.”
Attack on media, damage to property condemnable. Appeal to all to maintain peace.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 25, 2017
Twitter users were quick to remind her that her government ought to have focussed on tackling the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation in the state instead of issuing a veiled threat to channels.
Most users were of the opinion that the deaths of over 30 people and injuries caused to more than 250 showed the utter failure of the state’s Manohar Lal Khattar government. And Irani’s attempt was just to hide that embarrassment.
Here’s how they reacted;
Madam, do you mean not to stress too much on the failure of the Government?
— Vishal Batra (@vishalbatra) August 25, 2017
Any clauses applicable to the government when it absolutely fails to do its job and hence causes fear and panic ?
— Shubhra pant (@Shubhrapant_TOI) August 25, 2017
Please take action – not against ANI but against your colleague pic.twitter.com/cbQtHcPlAn
— vivek raj (@vivekrajindia) August 25, 2017
She’s talking about what @TimesNow and @republic are doing everyday folks.
— Senna (@SennaRed) August 25, 2017
Drawing attention to your government’s duties of protecting Indians’ lives and property and taking precautionary steps to ensure peace
— Vaibhav Sharma (@taoofdudeism) August 25, 2017
A small reminder..Not letting crazy mobs take law and order in their own hands is govt responsibility..shameful
— Nikhil Varma (@nikes225) August 25, 2017