Subscribe
A press conference organised by DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kalyanasundaram in Kumbakonam on Thursday, April 10, sparked controversy after reporters were allegedly instructed to ask only pre-approved questions listed on a slip of paper and told not to go beyond them. Several journalists who attended the event raised concerns, stating that such restrictions curbed press freedom.
When The News Minute contacted one of the reporters present at the press conference, he said, “The meet was arranged to hail and thank Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for his stance on the two-language policy, the delimitation issue, and the recent Supreme Court judgment on the Governor's duties. But before the MP arrived, we were handed a slip containing a set of questions.”
TNM accessed an image of the slip. The suggested questions included: “About Supreme Court judgement?”, “How do you perceive the Governor's notorious approach?”, “Why does the DMK not accept the three-language policy?” and “What is your view on the Supreme Court's approval of 10 bills?”
The reporter added, “When we opposed this approach, the MP insisted we stick to the questions on the slip. Then, reporters from media houses perceived to be aligned with the ruling party asked those questions, and the MP responded using a prepared draft.”
Despite the restrictions, several reporters asked questions beyond those listed. Some queries pertained to local development, including the promised upgrade of Kumbakonam taluk into a district. “We reminded the MP that CM Stalin had assured this, but the MP was unable to answer many of our questions,” the reporter said.
According to him, the MP gave vague responses, stating the announcement would come “soon,” and urged journalists to “publish true news.” Senior reporters present condemned the incident, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom.
“Meanwhile, the DMK’s IT wing has attempted to defend the MP, claiming that reporters voluntarily chose to ask the scripted questions. But the incident has since gone viral,” the reporter added.
When TNM contacted MP Kalyanasundaram, a representative said the MP had answered all questions posed by the media and dismissed the allegations circulating on social media as “completely false.”
