Mumbai Press Club Terms Rahul Gandhi’s Statement Against Journalist “Humiliating”

Mumbai, 26th March 2023: Rahul Gandhi has come under fire from the Mumbai Press Club for “humiliating” a reporter at a press conference on 25th March. The Congress leader had his first press conference after being barred from the Lok Sabha on Friday, 24th March. Rahul said that if a journalist wanted to work with the BJP, he should put the BJP symbol on his chest in response to the BJP’s assertion that Rahul’s comment disparaging the Modi surname was an insult to the OBC (other backward classes) group.

Rahul lost his composure and yelled at the reporter when asked about his defamation case conviction and subsequent removal from the Parliament. A journalist questioned the Congress leader on the BJP’s allegation that he insulted OBC communities. “Why? Are you employed by the BJP directly? Wear a BJP badge if you want to work for the party. Do not pose as a pressman. Have I expelled all of your air?” Rahul retorted.

Asserting that “the function of a journalist is to ask questions and it is the duty of political leaders who convene news conferences and engage with media to answer these questions with decency and decorum,” the press club released a statement expressing dismay with Rahul’s behaviour. They continued by saying that Rahul should have acknowledged the media’s dignity as the leader of a significant political party.