Bihar CM Supports Journalists Amid INDIA Bloc's Boycott Against 14 News Anchors

Amid the boycott of 14 television news anchors demanded by the Opposition INDIA Bloc, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said that he was in support of journalists.

The Bihar Chief Minister said that he is not against any journalist. He further said that he has never controlled journalists. Journalists have the freedom to write what they like.

"I have no idea about this...I am in support of journalists. When everyone gets full freedom, journalists will write what they like. Are they controlled? Have I ever done it? They have rights, I am not against anyone," Nitish Kumar was quoted saying.

Reacting to the INDIA Bloc's decision of boycotting journalists, Kumar said, some members of the INDIA Bloc might have felt that something was wrong and hence demanded the boycott of news anchors, but he himself is not against anyone.

"Right now those who are at the Centre have controlled a few people...Those who are with us (INDIA bloc parties) must have felt that something is happening. However, I am not against anyone," the Bihar Chief Minister further added.

The remarks by the Bihar Chief Minister came just days after the Opposition bloc INDIA announced a boycott of 14 television news anchors. Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) is part of the 26-party INDIA bloc.

Earlier on Thursday, the Opposition INDIA bloc demanded the boycott of 14 news anchors. The bloc released a list of 14 television news anchors whose shows will be boycotted by the alliance's media representatives.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, who released the list, said that the party is ready to fight against the media over headlines against the leaders, memes, twisted speeches, fake news, however, the party would not support the media for spreading hatred in the society that would turn into violence.

Meanwhile, the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) expressed concern over the issue by saying that the ban "goes against the ethos of democracy" and is a sign of "intolerance".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) compared the decision with Emergency. Taking a dig at the Opposition Bloc BJP MP Anil Baluni alleged it was an open threat to the media suppressing the voice of people.

"The media was throttled during the Emergency and these 'ghamandia' alliance parties continue to work with the same anarchic and Emergency mindset," Baluni was quoted as saying.