Media

'Godi media murdabad': Protesting farmers hit out at media, refuse to speak to some channels

As the farmers' protest in New Delhi continues, their anger has also turned towards the media.

There's good reason for this: On Zee News, for example, Sudhir Chaudhary suggested the presence of a "Khalistani hand" behind the protests, ably supported by hashtags like #AndolanMeinKhalistan.

In response, social media has been flooded with videos of the farmers turning away reporters from "Godi media". Farmers raised slogans like "Godi media murdabad", "Godi media, go back", and "Godi media sharam karo".

The farmers twice refused to speak to reporters from Aaj Tak, saying: "Nahin hum nahin baat karenge Aaj Tak se."

The farmers also responded to Sudhir Chaudhary's speculations, telling Newslaundry: "Those who are saying that we're asking for Khalistan are not Indians themselves."

Prabhjit Singh, a contributing editor with Caravan magazine, told Newslaundry the farmers are "very upset". Singh has spent 12 days with the farmers and at Khanouri on the Punjab-Haryana border, he says, he was told: "Sir, we just want to ask you why the media of Delhi is doing injustice. It’s been three months but the national newspapers and the national channels are not taking up the issue in a manner they should."

To understand why the farmers are protesting and what this movement is about, read our detailed piece here.

***

Independent media has a critical role in sustaining democracy, telling stories that need to be told and asking questions that require answers. Support independent journalists by paying to keep news free. Subscribe to Newslaundry today.