Journalists meet Maha Governor over Ajit Pawar''s remarks

Mumbai, Feb 7 (PTI) A delegation of journalists fromprint and electronic media representing various organisationstoday met Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan, protestingthe alleged remarks by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawaragainst journalists at a rally in Nanded on Friday.

The delegation, led by Convenor of the Patrakar HallaVirodhi Kruti Samiti S M Deshmukh and President of the StateAccreditation Committee Prafulla Marpakwar told the Governorthat the Deputy Chief Minister "instigated the police againstjournalists after which the police beat up some of themediapersons covering the rally."

The delegation, while seeking an unconditional apologyfrom the Deputy Chief Minister "within 48 hours", requestedthat the Police Inspector and other policemen who beat up thejournalists be suspended and the Superintendent of Police ofNanded be transferred immediately.

The Governor assured the delegation that he will speak tothe Chief Minister in the matter.

The delegation included Prasad Mokashi, President, MumbaiMarathi Patrakar Sangh, Aniket Joshi, President, MantralayaVartahar Sangh, Kiran Naik, Treasurer, Marathi PatrakarParishad, Shashikant Sandbhor, President, TV journalistsAssociation and Yadu Joshi, President, Maharashtra Union ofWorking Journalists.

Journalists also met Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan,protesting Ajit Pawar''s remarks.

Meanwhile, the Samiti said in a statement this eveningthat journalists will boycott Ajit Pawar''s functions if hedoes not apologise ''within 48 hours'' over his remarks.

"Chavan has told us that he would speak to Ajit Pawar andget information from him (over the remarks)," the Samiti said.