Union Minister V K Singh came in for sharp criticism today for targeting the media over the attack on African nationals here with opposition parties and a Broadcast body calling it "absurd" and "irresponsibile".
Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the attack was "extremely worrisome" and that it may not be right to put the media at fault on its coverage of the incident.
"...General V K Singh has a job to do and therefore he chooses words carefully. But the carefully chosen words may be inappropriate.
"I would find it very difficult to put media at any fault in this matter. I think media would be playing a very very important role if it persuades public opinion to turn against any person who knowingly or unknowingly have had indulged in what is a very very deplorable act," he said.
Television editors body Broadcast Editors' Association (BEA) said Singh is in the habit of making "absurd statements" which are not in consonance with the spirit of democracy.
BEA General Secretary N K Singh said the former army chief should know that it is not a military regime where media dances to the tune of "power packs".
"We would advise the Prime Minister to give lessons in Indian Constitution to the Minister," N K Singh told PTI.
He said media is independent and these incidents of growing racial intolerance is detrimental to the image of the country and to the 'Make in India' programme, which the Modi government is pursuing so vigorously.
"The kind of message going across the world (by such remarks) will not lure foreign investors. The first job of the State is to curb these incidents," N K Singh said.
AAP leader Dilip Pandey said Singh's remark on a sensitive issue was unfortunate.
"It is an irresponsible statement that it was a small incident. It is surprising and embarrassing," he added.
In a series of tweets, Singh claimed today that the attack on African nationals in the national capital was a "minor scuffle" which was "blown up" by the media.
"Had detailed discussion with Delhi Police and found that media blowing up minor scuffle as attack on African nationals in Rajpur Khurd," Singh, who is the junior minister in External Affairs Ministry, said and questioned the media's "motives".
"Why is media doing this? As responsible citizens let us question them and their motives," he said.
