A group of senior journalists and intellectuals have issued a strong-worded open letter against Praja Shakti newspaper, accusing it of publishing false reports and engaging in biased journalism. The letter, dated on February 13, signed by prominent media professionals, slammed the publication for wrongly attributing an attack on Chilkur Balaji temple archaka Dr. Rangarajan to the RSS and its inspired organisations, demanding an immediate retraction and clarification.
The controversy arose after Praja Shakti Telugu daily published reports alleging that RSS and its inspired organisations were behind an attack on Dr. Rangarajan at his residence. However, the signatories of the letter categorically refuted this claim and questioned the newspaper’s integrity.
Attack on Dr. Rangarajan: The Facts vs. Praja Shakti’s Claims
The letter states, “A few days ago, Veera Raghava Reddy’s group forcibly entered the house of Dr. Rangarajan, the archaka of Sri Venkateswara Temple in Chilkur, Bhagyanagar, and physically assaulted him following an argument. Telangana RSS’ media wing immediately condemned this attack, and the incident was widely reported across media platforms.”
It further highlights Dr. Rangarajan’s long-standing social initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity within Hindu temples. “Dr. Rangarajan has, in the past four years, conducted the Muni Vahana Seva (where a Dalit is carried on the shoulders into the temple) in Hyderabad’s Old City, Guntur, and Nellore, aiming to eradicate untouchability. RSS’ inspired organisation, Samajik Samarasta Vedika actively participated in all three instances. Dr. Rangarajan has continued to engage in many programs under this platform since then.”
False Allegations and Praja Shakti’s Bias
The letter takes strong objection to Praja Shakti’s narrative and calls out the lack of factual basis for its claims. It asserts:
“Veera Raghava Reddy, who carried out the attack, is not associated with RSS or its affiliate organizations.”
“Has Dr. Rangarajan ever stated anywhere or to anyone that RSS or its inspired organisations attacked him? Yet, Praja Shakti has published two false reports: one falsely claiming that RSS was behind the attack and another alleging that RSS opposes Dr. Rangarajan’s progressive initiatives. What evidence do you have for these claims?”
Ignoring Praises for Dr. Rangarajan’s Work
The letter also accuses Praja Shakti of selective reporting, questioning why the newspaper never acknowledged global recognition for Dr. Rangarajan’s work.
“When Dr. Rangarajan conducted Muni Vahana Seva in Hyderabad’s Old City, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, issued a statement praising him. Did your Praja Shakti newspaper ever report this appreciatively?”
Demand for Retraction and Warning Against Bias
The signatories have called on Praja Shakti to withdraw its misleading reports and issue a public clarification. They warn that continued biased reporting will lead to a further erosion of credibility.
“Immediately retract your misleading reports and issue a clarification. Praja Shakti has a long history in Telugu journalism and has nurtured many journalists. However, due to your one-sided, false, and anti-people narratives, you have lost credibility in the Telugu states. If you continue on this path, you will lose even more public trust.”
Emphasizing the need for responsible journalism, the letter concludes, “Organisations working in national interests have nothing to lose. News should be reported with truth and facts, without ideological bias. Making mistakes is normal, but correcting them is wisdom.”
Signatories
The open letter has been signed by several senior journalists and intellectuals:
Shyam Prasad, National Convener, Samajik Samarasta, Hyderabad
Duggaraju Srinivasa Rao, Senior Journalist, Vijayawada
Ramakrishna, Editor, Agni
A. Jayaprakash, Senior Journalist, Nellore
Sannidhanam Sastry, Senior Journalist, Rajahmundry
Raka Sudhakar, Senior Journalist, Hyderabad
The letter marks a serious indictment of Praja Shakti’s reporting, setting the stage for a false debates on media about the attacks and its further developments.
Prajashakti is a left-wing Telugu daily published in Andhra Pradesh, advocating Marxist and communist views.
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