"Paid news"

The revelation made by the newspaper "HINDU" regarding the concept of "Paid news" which was highly prevalent during Maharashtra assembly elections caused quite a debate among the Media,Politicians and the concerned authorities( Election commission). This was a topic which was which required lot of attention to be given as compared to other baseless topics which are given high importance by Media agencies.

Nevertheless,Editors guild understandably was strict on the News of Paid news and wanted the Phenomena to be stopped by laying some guidelines.

This all started when it was clearly seen that lot of local newspapers in Maharashtra carried a series of articles showcasing the "Great" qualities of the now Chief minister Ashok chavan.It was so evident that the articles were same but with different headings that no enquiry was required,Considering the obsession our country has with Commissions,Enquiry which never see the Light of the day!!

Now whats interesting is Ashok chavan's reply to the letter sent by Election commission for asking his comments on the "paid news". His reply is so flawed that a Normal citizen like me who has just followed newspaper reports regarding the issue can easily contradict his statements with valid points.

His first question was, What authority does Election commission have to ask him to reply to the letter??

Now Isn't that a stupid question to ask Considering that it is the constitution of our country which has employed Election commission to conduct a Free and unbiased Elections. Isnt that a authority big enough?? This clearly shows that he wants to shift the focus onto the Jurisdiction of Election commission. By doing so he will buy time and eventually evade the enquiry!!

He then says that in no article it is shown that votes has been asked!!

Who said that he has been caught asking votes publicly through newspapers,It is clear that newspapers have shown that he is one of the finest politician to lead the Government something which clearly influences a opinion of a citizen towards a candidate. Isnt that a indirect way of campaigning???

He then says that is Natural for opposition parties to raise such issues to defame the victorious parties!! He has forgotten the fact that it was not BJP who came up with the news of Paid news,It was the Paper "The HINDU" whose journalist P.Sainath did the investigation and wrote the articles regarding it. The BJP just performed its duty by raising the issue with the concerned authority the Election commission.

I am sure that this wont go for long and it is just a matter of time that issue dies down and everyone will forget and continue with their Profit making schemes!! Media which is supposed to be a Mirror of the society is showing much more than a Mirror actually shows!!!