Govt puts order on NDTV India ban on hold: Cong hails it as victory of truth

Congress today hailed as “victory of truth” after government put on hold its order to put NDTV India off-air for a day, and said a “fascist” BJP has finally buckled under the combined might of the media, which it described as foot soldiers of public opinion.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said it is also a lesson for the Modi government that the pen always wins over the mighty.

“A fascist BJP has finally buckled under the combined might of the foot soldiers of public opinion i.e media.

“There is a lesson it for Modi Govt – Pen always wins over the mighty sitting over a high pedestal, not on account of brute power but because of innate belief in truth. Satyamev Jayate,” he said.

Surjewala also said that Modi has put off its decision after “losing” its image and after facing flak from various quarters over the decision, which faced stiff opposition.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has decided to “put on hold” the order to impose a one day ban on the Hindi channel NDTV India, after the broadcaster requested that the decision be reviewed.

Officials said that the decision has been put on hold till the time the appeal is disposed of.

According to officials sources, NDTV co-chairman Prannoy Roy today met Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and discussed the issue related to the order.

“Roy sought a review of the decision and said that till such time the order should be put on hold,” a senior official said.

The I&B ministry had on November 2 ordered that Hindi channel NDTV India be taken off air for a day concluding that it had violated the guidelines in its coverage of the Pathankot terror attack.