Nayar hits out at 'slanted news'

Delivering a lecture at the SCM Mission House here on Friday, Nayar said he had recently visited the EC in person and lodged a complaint against ‘slanted news’ projected by the media.

He said, “I told the EC that as a citizen, I have the right to get correct information about every candidate contesting during elections.” Unfortunately, the matter being presented in the form of news coverage, is aimed at influencing the reader in favour of a candidate, he charged. “I think the Election Commission will do something about it. I am also willing to approach the court,” Nayar added.

He was speaking at a programme organised by the NGOs - National Alliance for People’s Movement and South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring. Nayar also lamented the deterioration of the harmonious relations that existed between different religions and communities in the country.

“When we got Independence it was understood that no one would be killed in the name of religion and caste. Yet a bloodbath took place in Gujarat.” There were attacks against churches in Orissa and Karnataka, he added.

Pluralism was the glue that stuck the nation together. “The glue is drying out,” the journalist cautioned. Nayar also called upon the citizens to fight against individuals who wanted to subvert the Constitution.