13 October,2026 12:02 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Representational image. File pic
Local journalists staged a protest outside the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) functionary Avinash Jadhav over his alleged derogatory remarks against media personnel during a public rally. They demanded an unconditional public apology from him.
The protest was organised by members of the Thane City Journalists Association on Monday, following remarks made by Jadhav during an October 9 demonstration by Opposition parties over the deteriorating law and order situation in Thane and the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar.
During the rally, Jadhav allegedly accused some journalists of being "sold" and publishing news favouring leaders of the ruling parties while overlooking pressing public issues.
The association condemned the remarks, asserting that insulting media personnel and questioning their integrity in such terms would not be tolerated. It demanded that Jadhav issue an unconditional public apology.
The protesters said journalism plays a vital role in a democratic system by raising public concerns, highlighting injustices and holding authorities accountable. They maintained that labelling journalists as "paid media" undermines the credibility and integrity of the profession.
The association acknowledged that disagreements over news coverage and criticism of media reporting are part of a democratic society. However, it stressed that such criticism should be based on facts and specific concerns rather than derogatory remarks directed at the profession as a whole.
Jadhav was unavailable for comment on the matter.
The Thane City Journalists Association also condemned the alleged manhandling of journalists by Delhi Police while they were covering youth-led protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The association's objections highlighted concerns over the treatment of journalists while reporting on demonstrations and other public events.
The protest in Thane comes amid tensions over Jadhav's remarks and the association's demand for an apology. The journalists reiterated that the media must be able to carry out its responsibility of reporting public issues and questioning those in power without being subjected to personal insults.
The allegations against Jadhav remain a matter of dispute, and he had not provided a comment at the time of the report.
(With inputs from PTI)
