AAP leaders in Delhi faced media ire on Friday as they defended their leader Arvind Kejriwal’s comments accusing television channels of bias and following an “agenda”.
“The whole media is sold out this time, it is a big conspiracy, it is a huge political controversy. If our government comes to power then we will set up an inquiry into this. And along with the media people, all will be sent to jail,” he was quoted as saying yesterday.
On Friday, the Broadcast Editors’ Association (BEA) slammed Kejriwal for the “vague and sweeping” allegations, which it said were aimed at diluting the credibility of the media, which is discharging its responsibility in a fair and objective manner.
Meanwhile, at a press conference here on Friday, senior AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Ashutosh clarified that Kejriwal was only referring to a section of the media (news channels) which was running an “agenda” of BJP and Narendra Modi.
Leaders clarify “His comments were against those who distort news and resort to paid news,” Singh added.
When asked to name these channels, Singh said AAP had footage to prove allegations against Zee TV, India TV and India News, which would be submitted to the Election Commission. He also accused Times Now of gunning for the AAP.
AAP, which is seen as a ‘media creation’ by its critics and has enjoyed good press when it made allegations against some politicians, did not respond to questions by the media on allegations made by television stings against some of its own functionaries recently.