Karnal, January 16: Former State General Secretary of the Congress party and descendant of a freedom fighter, Ramesh Saini, has strongly condemned the action taken by the Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab against the Punjab Kesari newspaper and its associated institutions. He termed it a dictatorial and barbaric attack on the media.
Ramesh Saini said that Punjab Kesari has made an unparalleled contribution to the country's independence. The founder of Punjab Kesari, Lala Jagat Narayan, and his family sacrificed their lives while fighting against anti-national forces and terrorism. Many members of the Punjab Kesari family laid down their lives to protect the country from terrorism. This newspaper cherishes the legacy of Lala Lajpat Rai and has been a symbol of impartial and fearless journalism.
He said that the attack by the Aam Aadmi Party government on such a prestigious newspaper and family is anti-democratic. Ramesh Saini, a former State General Secretary of the Congress party and a senior writer from a freedom fighter's family, said that the Bhagwant Mann government has shown its narrow-mindedness by attacking Punjab Kesari.
Ramesh Saini said that this action by the government is proof that the Punjab government has completely failed in fulfilling its responsibilities. In a warning tone, he said that a government that attacks the pen fails on every front. It seems that an undeclared state of emergency has been imposed in Punjab.
He said that by attacking a newspaper that raises its voice against the government, the government is displaying its narrow-mindedness. Whenever governments have deviated from their responsibilities, the print media has stepped forward and informed the public about the truth through its pen. The action taken against the Punjab Kesari newspaper cannot be condemned enough.