The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) has condemned by what it terms as “the attempt by the newly sworn in BJP government in Delhi to deny entry for certain reporters to the Assembly to cover the proceedings. Three journalists from ANI, ABP News, and PTI were stopped at the gates of the Assembly building when they were going to cover the Assembly on February 24, 2025, the first day of the new session. On the second day, five journalists from Times Now, Navbharat, News Nation, News18, Zee News, and Jantantra were denied entry. Some of these journalists were later allowed inside after their colleagues protested. The Speaker’s office said it was a miscommunication.”
However, says the statement issued by the DUJ, a pattern is clearly visible in this episode. The DUJ, along with other journalists’ bodies, has been demanding that the authorities reinstate the system of journalists’ passes. The Delhi government seems to be copying the increasingly restrictive methods being employed in Parliament to restrict coverage. The DUJ has repeatedly protested the fact that the Parliament Secretariat now issues only temporary/ sessional passes even for veteran journalists as well as those who fall into the long and distinguished journalists category.
The DUJ has also condemned the basis of the central and state accreditation policies that are discriminatory in composition, favour certain journalists, are biased against independent journalists and even target select unions and associations. These policies and practices should be reviewed.
The Delhi Union of Journalists has urged the Delhi Assembly authorities to immediately issue regular passes for all eligible journalists to cover the Assembly proceedings, in the interests of transparency.
After all, the statement adds, “the nation wants to know. “ The statement has been issued by Sujata Madhok, President, SK Pande, Vice President and Am Jigeesh, General Secretary.
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