Govt action smacks of authoritarianism, intimidation: Cong

Alleging that the government action smacked of "authoritarianism and intimidation", Congress today hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a one-day ban on a Hindi channel with Rahul Gandhi terming it as "shocking and unprecedented".
Party leader Digvijay Singh suggested that all newspapers and channels should "show courage" and "go off air and not publish" on November 9 to register their protest.
"Detaining opposition leaders, blacking out tv channels- all in a day's work in Modiji's India.
"NDTVBanned-shocking and unprecedented (sic)," the Congress Vice President said on twitter.
Several Congress leaders attacked the government over the issue of putting the channel off air and asked if these were the promised "achhe din" (good days) by Modi.

"It is only a beginning of BJP Model of Good Governance and their expertise of Media Control.

"Modi's Model of Gujarat Governance has begun to show its real face. First Farmers then Labour then Traders then Servicemen and now Media.
"Don't tell me later I didn't warn you ! I may be seen to be speaking out of turn but I know these people better than any of you. Good Luck," Digvijay Singh said in a series of tweets.
He also put out a small note entitled "First they came ..." asking all to see Pastor Martin Niemoller famous statement "First they came.." about cowardice of German Intellectuals following Nazis' rise.

"With my compliments to Media pl learn from History else you know what is in store for you !," he said along with the note.
Singh also wondered if media houses would protest against the order against the channel and said, "Would they also show courage and go off air and not print Newspapers on 9th November ?
"I am certain they won't. May God give them courage."
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who is also political secretary to party president Sonia Gandhi, said, "Government's decision to ban NDTV India smacks of authoritarianism and intimidation."
(REOPENS DEL12)
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Democracy is being throttled, asphyxiated. Media freedom is on the ventilator. NDTV Banned is a warning signal. Everyone must fight it."

"The Modi government's DNA is to trample, infringe, crush and violate all dissent. Muzzling press freedom integral to fascist, political strategy," he said.
Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said, "Modiji, the media is the Fourth Estate in a democracy, not government-owned real estate. And everyone is not a news-trader."
"I think Prime Minister Modi walks the talk; when he says press freedom, he does mean 'press' freedom," he tweeted.
Jha also said that the real journalist is not the one making noise but is "that quiet one who speaks his mind".
"The NDTV ban is symptomatic of the dangers ahead. Forget #TRP war folks, unitedly resist the fascist takeover. It could be your turn next," he warned and made a call to journalists for standing unitedly.

He said Modi did not appoint Lokpal and "destroyed" the CVC. "Now going after the judiciary and media, the only organs standing against fascism. Time to stand united."
Meanwhile, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot slammed the government over the decision to bar telecast of NDTV India for a day.
"The government's decision to ban NDTV India is shocking. It is an arbitrary decision and misuse of authority," Gehlot tweeted.