Mamata blasts media section, channels for 'news pollution'

"Wrong news items and canards are being circulated by a section of the media, particularly some news channels, to target her government. They are even distorting my own version," Mamata said after releasing the special puja (festival) edition of Trinamool Congress organ "Jago Bangla", here.

The chief minister alleged that these media were suppressing facts and thus causing "news pollution", pointing to projection of some rape incidents in the state.

"Everyday rape incidents are being highlighted as if the entire state has become the land of rapists. Rape is sought to be glorified by these people. This will not be tolerated by people. I would like to say that negative journalism only destroys and it is time to champion positive journalism," she said.

Banerjee alleged that news items were being tailored to serve business interests and that "in some of the media there exist dadagiri and didigiri".

Challenging those daring to control her government, she said instead of doing so in individual capacity, I would like to ask them to join politics and run the government.

Banerjee regretted that the positive side of her government was not being highlighted by these media and alleged these people are bent upon demolishing Bengal's culture.

Asserting that she has no lust for power, Banerjee said, "I will like to warn those spreading canards against me that it will not pay."