CPI(M)'s decision sparks controversy

from a correspondent

Agartala, March 15: The CPI(M)’s decision to increase ‘interference’ on media houses has sparked off serious repercussion in the media circle in Agartala as the jourlist community conceived it as a threat to their independence.

The CPI(M) denied the allegation and said the matter is being wrongly interpreted. It said they actually wanted to stress the need to increase interference with the media to ensure more effective coverage highlighting party’s stand on various issues. The controversy started after the secret document distributed among the delegates attended the extended meeting of the CPI(M) state committee held on March 12 and 13 here came out. The 10th paragraph of the 16 page document titled ‘Gamadhyame Partyr Hastakhep’ (Party’s interference on mass media).

It elaborated the need for improving quality and increase circulation of the party mouthpiece Daily Desher Katha and the People’s Democracy. It fixed a target of 60,000 circulation for Daily Desher Katha and 5,000 for People’s Democracy within next two years. The party also decided to launch a web site shortly.

The controversy sparked off where it described party’s stand on other media. It said party’s strength to interfere in the electronic media in the state and district level will have to be increased. In another line it said party must take appropriate step to interfere with the social media in the district level within three months. Despite denial by the party the controversy has not subsided the news papers protesting against it and writing editorials. The TV channels are also organising debate and panel discussions.