INC TV commences operations, Congress says 'it will give voice to voiceless'

"I must say that in the last seven years, the line between the government and the media has been distinctly blurred. We had a media which acted as a corrective force to the government and the entire polity. But now, we are witnessing that a section of the media is totally shielding the government's failures," Congress General Secretary said.

New Delhi: The Congress' new social media channel 'INC TV' commenced its broadcast on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day on Saturday with an aim of "lending a voice to the common man".

During its launch, the Congress party alleged that the mainstream media is trying to hide the government's failures rather than pointing them out.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, "I must say that in the last seven years, the line between the government and the media has been distinctly blurred. We had a media which acted as a corrective force to the government and the entire polity. But now, we are witnessing that a section of the media is totally shielding the government's failures. Instead of questioning the government, it is acting as the government's set of spokespersons."

He further said, "Even during the pandemic, we see that a section of the media forgets its prime duty of questioning the government. The incompetence of the Central government in dealing with COVID-19 is very much evident everywhere. The government wasted precious time. Now, people are dying because of lack of oxygen and medicines."

In an attack over the BJP-led Central government, Venugopal said, "The situation in our national capital is highly alarming. The government did not care to strengthen health infrastructure at all. Even in the vaccination policy, the government allowed a discriminatory stand. It did not provide free vaccines to people. Also, it facilitated different prices. But a section of the media is trying to cover the Centre's incompetence."

"Media plays a divisive role in creating public opinion. They act as a mirror to the government. 'INC TV' is aimed to be one such platform where we can be the voice of the common with honesty."

Congress' treasurer Pawan Bansal, who was also present during the launch, said the channel is an effort of the Congress party to bring back the democratic temper which "has vanished from our discourse in the current times".

"Various institutions in the country are under attack from the government and this is not being highlighted in the media," he said.

Earlier, Congress had informed that the channel will be telecasted in Hindi and English and will be live for 8 hours a day. It will be headed by senior TV journalist Bhupendra Narayan Singh.