Days after Republic TV journalist was heckled at Jignesh Mevani’s flop Yuva Hunkar Rally, Jignesh Mevani again targeted Republic TV, demanding removal of the journalist from the channel at his press conference in Chennai. However, he was snubbed by media persons of Chennai and the journalists walked out of his press conference in solidarity with Republic TV journalist. He was present for an event at the Quaid-e Milleth International Academy of Media Studies.
However, Mevani refused to speak as he saw a reporter of Republic TV among the media persons. He didn’t budge even after media persons assured him that the Republic journalist would not pose questions.
As per video uploaded by Republic, the conversation went something like this.
“Let the mike be removed” said Mevani
“You can’t demand that”, replied Shabbir Ahmed, a journalist with Times Now
“Then I will not [speak]”, Mevani replied
“Then leave it, we don’t want [the press conference]”, the same journalist replied.
Jignesh Mevani replied ,”I don’t mind” and left the premises.
Despite competitiveness amongst media houses, the show of solidarity against the bullying by Vadgam MLA was highly appreciated on social media.
https://twitter.com/Ahmedshabbir20/status/953166795740868608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/anusharavi10/status/953186615521828866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/PoojaPrasanna4/status/953169493773107200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
However one handle from Chennai criticised media persons for boycotting Jignesh Mevani
https://twitter.com/mazhai_magal/status/953176908879065089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
It is amusing to see champions of freedom of press bully media persons who do not toe their line.