Tewari: BJP must explain how their NDA government harassed a magazine

New Delhi, Nov 8: Defending his ministry's decision, Information and Broadcasting minister

said that the ministry thought the advisory asking news channels not to compare the PM's Independence Day Speech with that of other political leaders was appropriate.

Tewari responded to the criticism from broadcasters, who alleged that the advisory issued to them was an assault to freedom of speech.

Reacting to BJP's comments on the advisory, Tewari said that the 'BJP talking about the freedom of press is like the Devil preaching about the scriptures.'

"BJP must explain how their NDA government harassed a magazine and its journalists," he hit back at the party.

"We thought it was appropriate to bring it it to the attention of the industry that certain occasions should be treated differently. But we leave it to them to take the advice for what it's worth," he said.

Broadcasters alleged advisory issued was an assault to freedom of speech

The I & B ministry had issued a notice to TV channels for comparing the PM's speech on Independence Day with that of BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, which was delivered around the same time.

Tewari said that when the PM addresses the nation on Aug 15 or Jan 26, he embodies the voice of the nation. "He does not speak as the leader of a political party. The advisory was just an advice given to the TV channels," he said.

OneIndia News