Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Oct 13: Members of the Thane City Journalists Association staged a protest outside the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters on Monday against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) functionary Avinash Jadhav for allegedly making derogatory remarks against journalists, demanding an unconditional public apology.

The protest followed an October 9 demonstration by Opposition parties over the deteriorating law and order situation in Thane and the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar.

During the rally, Jadhav allegedly accused some journalists of being “sold” and publishing news favouring ruling party leaders while ignoring pressing public issues.

Condemning the remarks, the journalists asserted that insulting media personnel and branding them as “paid media” undermined the integrity of the profession and would not be tolerated.

The association emphasised that journalism is a vital pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in raising public concerns, exposing injustices and holding those in power accountable.

While acknowledging that disagreements over news coverage and criticism of media reports are part of a democratic society, the association maintained that such criticism should be based on facts rather than insults directed at the entire profession.

Jadhav was unavailable for comment on the matter.

The protesters also condemned the alleged manhandling of journalists by Delhi Police while they were covering youth-led protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.