‘Cloaked in concern for journalists’: Mumbai Press Club hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘slave’ remarks

The Mumbai Press Club expressed strong disapproval of Rahul Gandhi’s comments about journalists, calling his remarks “deeply troubling” and indicative of a “high-handed attitude.” At a rally in Amaravati, Maharashtra, the Congress leader accused working journalists of being subservient to the ruling regime, labelling them “slaves of their owners.”
In a statement, the Mumbai Press Club condemned the tone of Gandhi’s remarks, which it said carried a “condescending” edge despite being framed as concern for journalists. “Has Mr Gandhi ever reflected on the root causes of the challenges faced by working journalists in India and the state of journalism as a whole?” the organisation questioned.

“If Mr Gandhi truly wishes to address the plight of journalists, perhaps he should redirect his critique toward media owners and structural issues within the industry,” the statement said. It also pointed out that working journalists, constantly under the threat of dismissal and operating in a saturated job market, face significant risks in challenging the system.
The group also expressed concern over Gandhi’s consistent criticism of journalists, suggesting it raises questions about how his party might approach the media if it returns to power. “While we acknowledge the immense challenges posed by the current government’s authoritarian tendencies toward the media, it is equally concerning to witness Mr Gandhi’s repeated targeting of journalists,” it said. Comparing Gandhi’s remarks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s avoidance of press conferences, the organisation argued that both approaches deserve criticism.
During his speech in Amaravati, Gandhi had said, “They (journalists) belong to them (BJP). It’s funny when I say that—they look at me and smile, as if to say, ‘Yes, we belong to them.’ It’s not their fault. They want to work, they need a salary, they have to pay for their kids’ education, they want to eat. They can’t work against their owner; they are a slave of sorts.”
The Press Club countered that while journalists often face immense pressures, dismissive rhetoric undermines their struggles and fails to address root causes like job insecurity and dwindling protections. “Constructive dialogue and accountability, not dismissive remarks, are what the media—and democracy—deserve,” it concluded.
Maharashtra gears up for assembly elections on November 20, with votes to be counted on November 23. In 2019, Congress secured 44 seats, trailing behind the BJP and Shiv Sena.