Journalism must question power, produce informed citizens: Bhatti Vikramarka
Telangana Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized that journalism's primary role in a democracy is to hold power accountable. He urged the media to act as a guardian of democratic values rather than a commercial entity.
Why it matters
The speech reflects the ongoing debate regarding the role of the press in maintaining democratic checks and balances in India.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said a strong democracy means people in power accepting the legitimacy of criticism from the media and described journalism as a tool to make power explain itself.
“Governments and journalists were not expected to agree all th4e time, and if they did, citizens should perhaps start worrying,” he remarked while speaking at the Federation of Press Clubs National Conclave in Hyderabad on Saturday (August 22, 2026).
Bhatti Vikramarka charges BRS leaders with attempts to mislead people against govt.
“Journalism performs one of democracy’s most necessary functions: it makes power explain itself,” he said, calling upon the newly formed Federation of Press Clubs to evolve into a strong institution that protects journalists, upholds professional standards and safeguards journalism as a democratic public function rather than merely a commercial enterprise.
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