Comrade salim's rebuttal media falsehoods generate sense of pessimism

1. Comrade Salim's rebuttal: Media Falsehoods Generate Sense of Pessimism
In The Times of India, Kolkata edition, dated 9th May, 2019, a story headlined, 'When
Red takes on a shade of saffron', with a subhead, 'CPM cadres silently help BJP in fight
against Didi', by one Mohua Chatterjee, contains a series of pernicious lies about the
Communist Party of India-Marxist, its members and supporters. The writer seeks to
present shocking falsehoods about the CPIM, in a manner, that may even harm the social
harmony of West Bengal in the short run.
Ms Chatterjee's claim that 'CPIM workers are helping BJP manage booths', during the
ongoing elections, does not follow basic journalistic norms. There is no quote of any
CPIM cadre or polling agent, not even an anonymous one, nor has any effort been made
to get the party's version. The entire report is based on statements by an unknown BJP
member, which may well be a figment of the writer's imagination.
The fact of the matter is, CPIM cadres have put their lives at stake, trying to ensure that
all citizens are able to cast their own votes. As foot soldiers of democracy, CPIM polling
agents have been attacked by Trinamul goons, even after voting was over. Countless first
hand reports, in the form of videos, photographs and texts are available on social media,
which prove how upbeat CPIM cadres fought ferociously to protect their booths. These
examples have been verified by ToI's sister publication, Ei Samay, as well.
It is well known to the politically conscious voters of West Bengal that The Times of
India, along with other publications, receives advertisements worth lakhs, if not crores,
from parties like Bharatiya Janata Party and Trinamul Congress. There is also great
public anger over BJP government at the Centre and TMC government in West Bengal
using crores in tax-payer money to put out advertisements with media publications. The

2. impact of this financial exchange often shows up as a quid pro quo arrangement, which is
becoming clear to readers, viewers and voters of West Bengal.
Over the past few months, serious issues involving the youth have either been censored
or grossly underplayed - be it the month-long SSC aspiring teachers' hungerstrike; or the
serious scam involving salaries of computer teachers, who faced extreme police brutality
for daring to protest.
Even the shocking 'shadow ban' of a film 'Bhobishyoter Bhooth' was not taken up
seriously by media houses in Kolkata, for fear of provoking the wrath of Chief Minister
Mamata Bandyopadhyay.
The people of West Bengal are deeply alarmed at the prevailing political situation in the
state. They are exhausted by the corruption and violence of Trinamul Congress, where
even journalists are facing brutal attacks, with no hope of getting justice.
In this eco-system, saturated with conflict, the BJP is trying to create social disharmony
and trigger even more violence.
This is an unprecedented era of crisis for West Bengal. The media must rise to the
occasion and play a responsible and honest role, by exposing the perpetrators of
corruption, violence and communalism.
Instead of this, the media has created false narratives by constantly projecting a mock
fight between BJP and TMC, and writing scurrilous lies about the Communist Party of
India-Marxist. This is nothing short of harakiri.

3. For the sake of the people of West Bengal, we urge the journalist community to show
professional integrity and desist from filing inaccurate, false reports that create a negative
environment and generate pessimism and hopelessness.
We also appeal to the media to highlight positive alternatives, give adequate space to
optimistic politics and bring some hope and solace to the beleaguered people of West
Bengal.
9th May, 2019