Government pressure on deadly democracy in independent media: action against Gujarat Congress

Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leader. File | Image Source: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Congress rejected the Enforcement Bureau (ED) action on Friday (May 16, 2025) Gujarat Samachal The founder said anyone who opposes the government or who does not compromise with the BJP must go to jail.

Bahubali Shah, one of the leading newspaper owners in Gujarat Gujarat SamachalED was detained after a raid on his home.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed in an article on X that the government is putting pressure on independent media, which is deadly to democracy.

“Criticism is the soul of democracy” citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent interview, Mr. Harge said, “Criticism is the soul of democracy” by Ed, who said that the founder of Gujarat Samachar was arrested by Ed, “Modi Ji proved that the arrest of critics was the first signing of a terrorist dictator.”

“Whoever is opposing this government’s voice, no compromise with the BJP, must go to jail. The government puts pressure on independent media and uses its strengths to be used is fatal to democracy,” Kharge accused.

“Late last night, ED arrested Bahubali Bhai Shah of Samachar, Gujarat. The 93-year-old newspaper has been a bold anti-establishment voice. It is the fate of those who have the courage to openly do it.” Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh said in an article on X: “We admire “Gujarat Samachar” forever showing. At least some people who are left in the media have the courage to stand up and make fair reports. I’m sure that this is their watchman, and they will eventually show up.

Gujarat Congress criticized the government’s actions, chief Shaktisinh alleged: “In the Modi government, severe punishment was received to write and tell the truth – the latest case comes from Gujarat.” He said Ed’s raid was in Gujarat Samachal and GSTV.

“Bahubalibhai Shah, 73-year-old directorGujarat Samachal‘Had been arrested. His only crime is that he has been asking the government questions and addressing their responsibilities. But…the BJP government is not used to answer and accountability, so by sending Ed, they trampled on the rights of the Fourth Pillar of Democracy. ” he said.Gujarat SamachalMr Gohil said: “India is also blocked.

The Gujarat Congress leader accused in his post: “This dictatorship and arbitrary attitude of the Modi government is extremely dangerous to this country and we all must unite to raise our voices.”

Bahubali Shah is one of the directors of Lok Prakashan Limited, which owns Gujarat Samachar. His older brother Shreyansh Shah is the executive editor of Daily.