The reason is none other than our intolerant government, gradually diminishing freedom of speech, and decreasing influence of the institution of media.
Yes, it is not the first time that a news journalist is being threatened or resigning from his job because of the duty he owes to the nation as a journalist. And ABP is not the first channel which Punya Prasun Bajpai is leaving.
Before this Punya Prasun Bajpai used to work for Aajtak which he left after he interviewed Baba Ramdev there. The reason this time is his often being critical of the BJP government. Much like Ravish Kumar. According to news, ABP’s managing editor has also quit his job.
Dilution of RTI, censorship on works of art like movies, and threatening media journalists. Our BJP-led government has done everything which is possible to take away the freedom of speech, expression, and information from us.
Like Punya Prasun Bajpai, some more journalists who were threatened or left their jobs are:
- Paranjoy Guha Thakurta (Editor-in-Chief of Economic and Political Weekly): He received a legal notice from Adani Group for a story in the magazine.
- Niranjan Takle: He did the investigate story on Judge Loya. He’s also facing difficulties in getting work these days.
People are calling it the unofficial “Emergency” where freedom of speech and expression in not an option, let alone dissent.