Pune, April 30, 2026: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has raised serious concerns over what he described as the deteriorating condition of journalism in India, stating that governments no longer value journalists and that the current atmosphere surrounding the media profession is “alarming” and “terrifying.” His remarks came during the Varunraj Bhide Memorial Award ceremony held at New English School on Tilak Road in Pune on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists, media professionals, and attendees at the event, Thackeray said that while journalism has evolved significantly over the years, the increasing political pressure on media personnel poses a grave threat to democratic discourse. He observed that many journalists enter the profession with the aim of bringing meaningful social change, but are often prevented from doing so due to intimidation and external pressure from political establishments.
“Governments today do not value journalists. It is frightening to see how those in power assume they can pressure media persons into submission,” Thackeray reportedly said, expressing concern over what he sees as shrinking editorial independence. He further noted that several journalists are abandoning the profession altogether, with some even taking up roles as personal assistants to politicians and ministers, a trend he described as deeply worrying for the credibility of the press.
The MNS chief stressed the urgent need for solidarity within the journalistic fraternity, asserting that unity is the only effective response to political pressure and attempts to undermine independent reporting. According to him, divisions among journalists only strengthen those in power.
“Journalists must stand together and support issues of public importance. Those in authority benefit when the media remains divided,” he said, adding that political power is temporary and accountability is inevitable.
In a sharp suggestion aimed at empowering the press, Thackeray urged journalists to stop giving coverage to individuals or groups who attempt to threaten or intimidate them. He argued that media houses and journalists must build their own collective strength and influence if they are to command respect and function independently.
Beyond media issues, Thackeray also touched upon broader governance concerns in Maharashtra. He criticised what he called the growing misuse of land ownership and alleged that influential political and financial interests were increasingly grabbing land across the state. He claimed that some Marathi-medium schools were being systematically shut down to free up valuable urban land for commercial exploitation.
He further alleged that critical issues such as delimitation and property-related decisions were being overshadowed by larger political narratives, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and question such developments.
Thackeray concluded his address on a note of resilience, stating that journalism as an institution would endure despite present challenges. However, he cautioned that safeguarding the profession would require journalists to rise above internal divisions and work collectively to defend their independence and ethical responsibilities.
His remarks come at a time when concerns over press freedom, media independence, and political influence over journalism continue to dominate public discourse across India. The statement is likely to reignite debate on the role of a free press in sustaining democratic accountability.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
