Journalist body criticises Tejashwi's controversial comment on media

New Delhi: A journalist organisation has criticised RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for his disparaging remarks on the use of "sutra" (sources) by the media and has demanded his apology.

In a statement, National Union of Journalists (India) president Ras Bihari accused the Leader of Opposition in Bihar of making a "tasteless comment" on the media and said his organisation will make a representation to the President of India if Yadav does not apologise.

He said another organisation of journalists, Delhi Journalists Association, also shares the same view of Yadav's remarks.

Speaking to journalists in Bihar, Yadav had dismissed some stories that cited Election Commission sources. "We consider such 'sutra' as 'mutra' (urine)," he said, noting that stories like Indian forces capturing Pakistani cities were also run during Operation Sindoor that cited "sources".

The RJD leader was asked about EC source-based reports that claimed that its ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar had discovered a large number of people from Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar during house-to-house visits.

While the opposition has come out strongly against the EC drive, the BJP and its allies have supported the exercise, claiming that it is aimed at ensuring that only eligible voters are allowed to participate in the assembly polls expected to be held in October-November.

The Opposition has alleged that it is aimed at disenfranchising poor voters to benefit the ruling alliance.