Free press vital to democracy: Bhatti

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has said a free press capable of questioning those in power is essential for the survival of democracy. He stressed that governments must have the courage to accept criticism and urged journalists to hold authorities accountable while maintaining high professional standards.

Bhatti formally inaugurated the Federation of Press Clubs, a new national platform formed with representatives from eight press clubs across the country. The event, organised by the Hyderabad Press Club, was held at the IAS Officers’ Club in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Former The Hindu editor N. Ram, Telangana Media Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy, Press Club of India President Sangeeta Barooah, Caravan editor Anant Nath, Federation of Press Clubs representative Gautam Lahiri, Hyderabad Press Club President Vijay Kumar Reddy and General Secretary V. Ramesh attended the programme. Bhatti said journalism’s responsibility extended beyond reporting events to questioning discrimination and examining their wider social implications. Referring to a reported ‘purification’ ritual at Haldwani’s Ramlila Maidan two days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a gathering there, he questioned the state of equality and dignity in the country.

He said such incidents, nearly eight decades after Independence, highlighted the need to assess how far India had progressed along the path shown by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

Journalism’s historic role

Bhatti recalled the role of the press in India’s freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi used Young India, Navajivan and Harijan to mobilise people, while Ambedkar established Mooknayak and Bahishkrit Bharat to amplify the voices of oppressed communities. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak challenged colonial rule through Kesari and Mahratta. He urged media organisations not to reduce journalism to balance sheets and commercial interests, but to preserve the credibility the profession had earned over the years.

Bhatti said Telangana had a strong tradition of fearless expression reflected in its movements, literature and culture. He said the state government respected this tradition and was positively inclined towards allocating land for a Press Club.

N. Ram said the federation would give press clubs across India a stronger collective voice. Expressing concern over attacks on journalists, he said senior lawyer Kapil Sibal had offered free legal assistance to journalists pursuing cases to defend their rights.

The programme also featured awards for winners of a photography competition organised to mark World Photography Day.