Media war takes a new turn: ABN's RK challenges Vijay Sai Reddy for an open debate

Patibandla Srinivas ([email protected])  

The allegations and counter allegations between the politicians and the media have now taken a new turn in Andhra Pradesh after Andhra Jyothi Chairman and Managing Director Vemuri Radhakrishna (RK) invited YSRCP MP Vijayasai Reddy for an open debate in New Delhi to discuss allegations against him.

Vijayasai Reddy who is surrounded by many controversies entered in one more controversy by making personal allegations against Radhakrishna about his financial strength. Auditor- turned -politician Vijayasai Reddy who is a key leader in the YSR Congress party questioned the journalistic values of Radhakrishna.

Vemuri Radha Krishna who is famous for his Open Heart with RK programme has given an open offer to Vijaya Sai Reddy to prove the allegations in front of the public thus setting a new trend in journalism. by inviting Vijaya Sai. Radha Krishna is well known in journalism with daring attitude has launched a new trend in the media political war.

The war between media and political leaders is not new in the history of the country. Ramanath Goenka, the founder chairman of Indian Express Group who stood as a model to journalism facing many restrictions during the emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Goenka Group questioned the policies of the then Indian government. It means Goenka was not personally against to Indira Gandhi, but her policies.

Similarly Radha Krishna’s news channel and newspaper criticized the previous government's anti- people policies and corruption practices. Radha Krishna strongly objected the policies of YSR government and Jagan government. But the leaders of YSR Congress have taken it as a personal rivalry.

The Andra Jyothi and ABN channel both have been exposing the anti -people policies and corruption activities of present Chandrababu Naidu’s government also for the last five months. In the past, Andhra Jyothi newspaper had provided good coverage for walkathon of YS Rajasekhar Reddy like any other leaders. Indeed the Vijayasai has a habit of criticizing anyone by mentioning his or her caste.

But this time he questioned how a journalist could establish a media house?. Now it is a hot topic in the political and media circles. As per the history of Indian journalism, the majority of the media organisations including most successful newspapers started their journey as small establishments. Some newspapers those completed their 50 to 75 years of their long journey started their establishments in small shops.

Even in the business sector also, Reliance Group chairman Dheerubhai Ambani, Crane Nutal Grandhi Subba Rao started their journey selling products in streets. Even though they grew in their profession, the majority of the industrialists spent their sweat and blood of their whole life in their respective fields. But they never emerged as giant people in an overnight.

But the many political leaders in the country established their businesses in a short span. Besides, it is now a point of discussion everywhere when the politicians question the media with a motive to stop the criticism of media organisations by making personal allegations then who would question and expose the political or government corruption.

Now Vijaya Sai Reddy has opportunity to accept the offer given by RK to prove allegations but there is a doubt whether Vijaya Sai Reddy has guts to take it the challenge or not. Vijay Sai Reddy has an opportunity to raise the points and also can submit the proofs. Similarly he can challenge at Press Council of India and other legal forums if anything wrong is published against him by the media.