New Delhi: On December 21, Lok Sabha MP Ramesh Bidhuri strongly criticized the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A. during a speech on 'The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023.' The video of his 9-minute, 24-second speech, where he reminded the alliance of its historical actions against press freedom, is gaining attention online.
In his address, Bidhuri referred to the opposition alliance as "Ghamandiya Gatbandhan" and cited instances where opposition parties restricted press freedom, despite projecting themselves as champions of liberalism and a free press.
Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Bidhuri pointed out that Rahul Gandhi's great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, curtailed press freedom during his tenure, mentioning the Press (Objectionable Matter Act 1951) introduced by Nehru. Bidhuri highlighted how poet Majrooh Sultanpuri was arrested for criticizing Nehru, questioning whether this was Rahul Gandhi's idea of press freedom.
Bidhuri also criticized Kalyan Banerjee for mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, terming it an insult to the Vice President, the OBC community, and the constitution drafted by Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Bidhuri highlighted coercive actions against RSS-backed magazines Organiser and Cross Road. He cited instances where the Nehru government imposed restrictions on these magazines, drawing parallels to later events like the Shah Bano case during Rajeev Gandhi's government.
The BJP leader recounted various instances of Congress governments' measures against the press, including the banning of magazines, arrests of editors, and sacking of journalists critical of the government. Bidhuri also brought up the recent case of Arnab Goswami's arrest during the Mahavikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra.
Referring to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as "Baune Duryodhan," Bidhuri highlighted Kejriwal's shift from criticizing Congress leaders to aligning with them. He pointed out Kejriwal's extravagant residence during the COVID crisis, contrasting it with his earlier statements about politicians residing in modest accommodations.
Bidhuri slammed the opposition bloc's claims of championing press freedom, mentioning the arrest of journalist Bhavana Kishore under the SC/ST act during the AAP government in Punjab.
In his speech on the Press Bill, Bidhuri also mocked Kejriwal for skipping ED summons, emphasizing the need for agencies to act against corruption, regardless of political ideology.
Concluding his speech, Bidhuri urged agencies not to spare anyone involved in corruption, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those looting government resources. He criticized the opposition alliance for making allegations against the Modi government without considering their own historical track record.
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