Lashes out at “advertisement blockade” against Ajit
Says Punjab’s money squandered on non-Punjab and non-Punjabi media
Chandigarh – Shiromani Akali president Sukhbir Singh Badal blasted the AAP govt in Punjab and CM Bhagwant Mann for resorting to “ brazenly dictatorial high handedness to muzzle the freedom of the press, targeting in particular media houses that have always championed the cause of Punjab, Punjabi language and culture”.
“ This is particularly shocking when one thinks of how precious and hard earned money of Punjabis was squandered away on massive advertisements in non-punjabi newspapers outside Punjab, especially during assembly poll in Gujarat etc” said Mr Badal
The Akali president was referring to the “blockade” imposed by AAP govt in Punjab on advertisements to the leading Punjabi newspaper, Ajit, published from Jalandhar.
Badal said that his party had always led the fight for freedom of the press from the front and will continue to do so. He described Ajit as the “ voice and conscience of Punjab “ adding that the newspaper had always been targeted by governments hostile to Punjab in general and to the Sikhs in particular.
In a statement here, Badal said that the blockade of advertisements to newspapers, channels and web portals that refuse to sell their conscience to the AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and “ act as govt and AAP spokespersons “ defies constitutional commitments to ensure democratic freedom of speech. He said that media houses that honestly portrayed truth were being singled out for harsh treatment. “!All these orders come from Delhi as Bhagwant Mann and his govt “ are a mere proxy and a rubber stamp of Arvind Kejriwal and his subedar Raghav Chadha. “
Badal said that his party will always stand solidly by Ajit and others targeted by AAP or any govt “ SAD always has and always will remain in the forefront to uphold the freedom of the press.
