- Democracy and Freedom of Press
- ‘Sakshi’ Editor Dhanunjaya Reddy Raises Alarm Over Growing Government Intolerance
Article Today, Hyderabad:
The freedom of the press is facing serious danger, said Sakshi daily Editor Dhanunjaya Reddy, expressing deep concern over increasing pressure on independent journalism. Speaking at a round table conference on “Democracy and Press Freedom,” organised by Somajiguda Press Club on Saturday, Reddy strongly criticised the recent attacks on media houses and the growing tendency of governments to suppress dissent.
From Displeasure to Intimidation
Dhanunjaya Reddy pointed out that earlier governments, though occasionally unhappy with critical reporting, would stop at expressing displeasure. Today, however, the situation has drastically changed. He alleged that governments are now moving from simple dissatisfaction to open revenge against the media. According to him, the expectation today is that all newspapers must only publish favourable news, with no room for any critical or independent voice.
Even mild headlines that are not in complete agreement with government narratives are no longer tolerated, he remarked. “We are seeing an environment where even the smallest critical headlines are viewed as unacceptable,” he said with concern.
Unjustified Police Raids
Recounting his personal experience, Reddy said that despite having no connection to the liquor case under investigation, police conducted raids on his residence without issuing any prior notice. He questioned the legality and fairness of such actions, calling them unjust and harmful not only to journalists but also to democratic values.
He criticised the tendency of police and administrative officers to act at the direction of political leaders without properly following legal procedures. “This is a dangerous trend where the boundaries of law are being ignored to satisfy political bosses,” he observed.
Condemnation of Attacks on Sakshi Offices
Dhanunjaya Reddy also condemned the recent incidents involving physical attacks on Sakshi newspaper offices. Referring to the arrest of journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, he said the arrest itself was wrong, but the situation worsened when the offices of Saakshi were targeted.
The violent acts included damaging office boards, forcefully entering through locked gates, and even attempting to set properties on fire. Reddy strongly denounced these attacks, calling them deeply condemnable and entirely unacceptable in a democratic society.
Growing Concern Over Press Freedom
Senior journalist R. Dilip Reddy, who coordinated the event, echoed similar concerns about the increasing suppression of the press. The gathering served as a platform for media professionals to express their shared fear that the space for independent journalism is shrinking, and that political interference is pushing journalists into a corner.
The overall sentiment at the round table was one of alarm — that democracy cannot survive if the press is silenced and if governments continue to use state machinery to intimidate journalists. The need for protecting press freedom, upholding constitutional rights, and ensuring accountability in governance was emphasised throughout the discussion.
