Those whose views were rejected by people in general elections are getting "maximum exposure" in editorial space in newspapers, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad today said.
He also said that the government fully supports free exchange of ideas on the new media though it should not be misused.
Speaking at the launch of 'Bharat Niti' an online public policy portal here, the minister said that in the last elections, the people had given his party a huge victory the magnitude of which surpassed his conservative estimates.
Also Read
"....Despite that, what is often the comment in newspapers? I am not talking about reporting, I am talking of editorial space. And this I say with full sense of responsibility that those who have been rejected, those whose views people did not appreciate today are having the maximum exposure. I respect their right to write.... (But) why the alternative view is not coming?" he said.
The minister added that the counterview must be presented before the people so that there is an informed discussion.
"Today it is very important that the counterview must come so that there is a proper debate before the people of the country. Our critics' view is welcome but the other view should also come," he added speaking at the event where BJP leader Muralidhar Rao, Prasar Bharati Chairperson A Surya Prakash were among those present.
The minister said the government is a supporter of freedom of expression as well as that of the freedom of press.
"An allegation is repeatedly levelled at the government that we want to misuse the IT Act. Not at all. With honesty and authority, I want to say that our Prime Minister is himself a great supporter of social media," Prasad said.
He, however, added that even the Constitution holds that there should be reasonable restrictions. He said there are measures to prevent misuse of the new media.
The minister further said that some people were attempting to teach secularism to the government but the country is secular because of its values.
