Indian Information and Broadcasting Minister claims Indian media can set global narrative

03-04-2023 : Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur recently spoke at the Lokmat National Media Conclave on the topic ‘Is Indian Media Completely Polarised?’ during which he stated that Indian media is strong enough to set the narrative across the world. Thakur claimed that some foreign media houses carried “false” reports about India during the COVID-19 pandemic and that this agenda of spoiling the country’s image was not only being run from outside the country, but many Indian leaders used that opportunity for their self-interests.

Thakur criticized some foreign media houses for their coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that reports of dead bodies flowing in the Ganga river and lying on its banks were shown. He stated that these reports were not true, but a large number of media houses without checking facts ran those reports, which not only spoiled one person’s image but also the image of the entire country. Thakur alleged that this agenda and propaganda were not only being run from outside the country but also by many leaders from India who used this opportunity for their self-interests.

Thakur also spoke about the independence of the Indian media, saying that it was independent in the past and will remain so in the future. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing two Indian anti-coronavirus vaccines and providing 220 crore doses for free in the country. Thakur asked if anyone discussed those news reports that claimed that crores of people would die in the country during COVID-19 and its economy would suffer, and stated that their narratives did not affect India.

Thakur also criticized some political leaders who raised questions about Indian anti-coronavirus vaccines during the pandemic, stating that questions arise whether they were doing this for political benefits or marketing for some foreign company. He dubbed as “wrong” the questions raised by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the educational qualification of PM Modi. Thakur stated that senior BJP leaders had given information about the educational degrees of PM Modi in 2016, but this issue was raised again in 2023 without checking and researching that the information about it was given in 2016 itself.

Thakur concluded his speech by stating that the media should be responsible for keeping the mirror clean, as it shows a mirror to society and the government. He also said that while every media house has its own viewpoint, there should be a difference between this and bias. Chairman of Lokmat Media’s Editorial Board and former Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda also spoke at the event, stating that the electronic media was in the dock, especially due to allegations regarding biased political coverage, and that while mostly media houses are fair, a few are bringing a bad name to the media industry.