Journalist fraternity has urged the state government to take stringent action against Dilip Kamble and has demanded an apology from him.
Minister of State for Social Justice Dilip Kamble received flak for his comments made against journalists. Journalist fraternity condemned the statements made by Kamble and said that ministers should rethink before issuing such comments. At an event held in Hingoli, Kamble had said that Journalists accept money and write anything and they should be hit with shoes. Journalis have urged the state government to take stringent action against Kamble and has demanded an apology from him.
Tulsidas Bhoite, editor of Jai Maharashtra channel said, “Dilip Kamble has made a habit of issuing controversial statements to remain in limelight. Earlier also he had made comments against the Brahmin community. Later on he had to apologise for it. Since Kamble is a responsible minister and issuing such type of comments doesn’t augur well for him.”
“On Saturday night while issuing a clarification, Kamble mentioned that he had made comments against some journalists however he has targeted the entire media fraternity. He had gone to Hingoli for attending an event but has made an irrelevant statement,” added Bhoite.
Congress has criticised Kamble for the comments made by him and demanded his ouster from the state ministry. According to the party success has gone to Kamble’s head and hence is issuing such statements.
“Kamble, who said journalists should be beaten up with shoes and that his party had trained him to do so, should be dismissed from the ministry,” MPCC spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.
“People will teach a lesson to such arrogant ministers. Power has gone into their heads,” Sawant said.
Defending himself Kamble said, “I had not issued statement against the entire media and many people from this fraternity are doing hard work. However some bad elements are tarnishing media’s image by indulging in blackmailing activities. I only had spoken against them. I have always respected the fourth pillar of democracy and will continue to do so.”
Earlier too Kamble had raked up controversy by saying that he would not be afraid of slapping those people maligning him as he is dalit and not Brahmin. Later on Kamble clarified that he used wrong word inadvertently. During that period Brahmin community had organised protests in Aurangabad and Latur seeking an apology from him.
