Seethakka backs women journalists’ right to question

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Dr. Danasari Anasuya Seethakka on Saturday said that treating women journalists who question those in power as enemies over their demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation posed a serious threat to democratic values. She said the strength of democracy lay not in suppressing questions but in having the courage to answer them.

Seethakka was speaking after inaugurating the National Conference of Women Journalists, organised by the Indian Journalists Union (IJU). A large number of women journalists and media representatives from various States attended the conference. Addressing the gathering, the Minister stressed that women journalists must be able to discharge their professional responsibilities without fear or intimidation. Bringing the truth to light and questioning those in power were their professional rights, she said. Seethakka expressed serious concern over allegations of attacks and sexual harassment against women journalists covering protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

She also called for an impartial examination of reports that cases had been registered against women journalists in connection with the incidents. The Minister further alleged that attacks on women's freedom and safety were increasing under the BJP and RSS, and said the issue warranted serious attention.