HVK Archives: An open letter to Jaipal Reddy
An open letter to Jaipal Reddy - The BJP Today
Posted By Krishnakant Udavant (kkant@bom2.vsnl.net.in)
16-30 June 1997
Title: An open letter to Jaipal Reddy
Author:
Publication: The BJP Today
Date: June 16-30, 1997
My dear Shri Reddy.
I am sorry that I am constrained to write to you on a subject about which
my partymen and I personally feel very unhappy. This relates to the way
Doordarshan and AIR have been blatantly ignoring the Swarna Jayanti Rath
Yatra by Shri L.K. Advani. Doordarshan has particularly and wilfully been
remiss. It is surprising that this approach of deliberately ignoring the
BJP and its leaders on TV and AIR continues when you are at the helm of
affairs of the Ministry.
The BJP. which is the largest opposition party in Parliament, can not be
wished away. However, I could understand this politically malevolent
attitude when smaller men happen to head the Ministry. You have always
stood by principles of transparency and fair and equal treatment in the
discharge of functions by official organs. I, for one, along with large
numbers, had hopes of improvement in the functioning of AIR and Doordarshan
under your stewardship.
But the dismal state of affairs remains unchanged and the BJP continues to
get worse than step-motherly treatment. Probably the threat of a Samajwadi
Party Member of the Rajya Sabha to the Yatra by Shri Advani is having
articulation and concretisation through your Ministry in a not very subtle
manner.
The public is amazed to find that while the political antics of many
leaders belonging to or supporting the Government, and the political
melodrama of political elections finds full coverage, the Swarna Jayanti
Rath Yatra and its progress are being blacked out.
I am sure that you will not take the plea of non-interference by the
Ministry in the day to day working of the affiliated organisations. I
wonder if the words Swaraj and Suraj now stink in the nostrils of the
Government. I am sure that reminding people of the country of the heritage
and promise of freedom struggle has not become non-secular.
The matter merits your immediate attention. As a part of political
activity, our MPs may call on you and protest before -Doordarshan to
express their indignation. But that Is not the Issue. The point is
whether the I&B Ministry under Shri Jaipal Reddy and the Government under
Prime Minister Shri I. K. Gujral will adhere to norms and principles which
are often proclaimed.
I shall like to reiterate it Is not for me to presume to sermonise a person
like you. But a reminder sometimes does help even a good and well-meaning
person.
Assuring you as always of my personal regards,
Yours sincerely,
(T.N. Chaturvedi)
MP, Rajya Sabha
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