Media continues to build on Advani “Apology” lie

““If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.” - Joseph Goebbels

It seems Indian media has taken Goebbels advice to heart. Yesterday Media Passed off LKA rebuked to Sonia as Apology today they have started to build on this lie.

TOI in its report Gadkari had cautioned against ‘rash’ remarks writes

LK Advani’s retreat marks a setback for BJP’s campaign to pin down Congress leadership under the spate of corruption cases government is grappling with, and can aggravate the debate within BJP on how to carry the campaign forward

Embarrassed party sources revealed that the task force report was prepared by people close to Advani and in defiance of the view of party chief Nitin Gadkari and others. Gadkari and others, sources said, had cautioned against making “rash” allegations.

The party chief had said that BJP’s campaign had made headway since it was based on irrefutable facts concerning CWG, spectrum and Adarsh scams, and that temptation to take shortcuts carried the risk of loss of momentum.

Sources said that though Gadkari found support from others, it was Advani and his advisors who had their way.

The divergence over strategy is getting accentuated by continuing ambivalence over Advani’s status. Prima facie, the veteran has vacated the stage for Gadkari and the leaders of Opposition in the two Houses, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley. In reality, it is his word which prevails on crucial issues and not necessarily, as the fresh fiasco shows, with the best results.

With the task force report backfiring, fissures are likely to widen. The four-member task force which came up with the charge consists of S Gurumurthy, former IB director Ajit Doval, Prof R Vaidyanathan and advocate Mahesh Jethmalani.

SO TOI is speculating that Advanis apology( which never occurred) is causing fissures in BJP especially between Advani and Gadkari faction! Please notice how TOI is subtly trying to create an impression that “Sonia and family is innocent”. I have underlined the relevant words -

LK Advani’s retreat marks a setback for BJP’s campaign to  - FACT: Advani never retreated from the allegations!

Gadkari and others, sources said, had cautioned against making “rash” allegations. -- FACT: Pure speculation 

With the task force report backfiring, fissures are likely to widen. – FACT: On what basis TOI is saying report has backfired

NDTV in its report Advani expresses regret to Sonia for black money allegations also takes a line similiar to TOI(which is not surprising)

Senior BJP leader L K Advani has expressed regret to Congress President Sonia Gandhi for a party appointed task force report, which had alleged that she and her late husband Rajiv had accounts in Swiss banks.

FACT: LKA has not expressed regret on the report! His exact words are “I deeply regret the distress caused to you.”

Then NDTV also writes about the fissures happening in Party due to an apology that never was

sources within the BJP have told NDTV that a large section of the party is unhappy because right from the beginning several senior leaders, including Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, were opposed to attacking the Gandhi family on the black money issue. The worry in the BJP now is how the party is going to continue its protest on the issue.
NDTV has also learnt that several leaders are now saying the black money report was a party document and Advani shouldn't have discussed Sonia's letter with party leaders.

Cat is let out if we compare yesterdays tweet from NDTV’s Group editor Barkha Dutt & the news at NDTV site today. In her tweet yesterday (within few hours of first news) she talks about “unrest” in BJP . Tweet Read -

Grumblings and rumblings within BJP over Advani's apology to sonia gandhi. belief that it weakens the party's black money campaign..

So Barkha is saying there is unrest in BJP, by implication that BJP leaders were aware of the letter and content even before the news came out. (very little time elapsed after the news first came out for leader to react, if they didnt know before)

But NDTV’s news today confirms that Party leaders were not aware of the letter (Media Watch believe shouldn’t below is a typo, it was meant to be should)

Advani shouldn't have discussed Sonia's letter with party leaders.

If partyu leaders were not aware then how come grumblings start yesterday as Barkha Tweeted.  Both NDTV News and Barkha Cant be true. Media Watch believes Barkha yesterday in her excitement jumped guns and tweeted about the preplanned news on “BJP unrest”

 

Media says Karnataka’s sex ratio boost is part ‘secular’ part ‘false’

Times of India in its report Karnataka’s sex ratio gets a false boost writes

In ordinary circumstances, the rise in sex ratio would have been news to cheer from the rooftop. But the rather dramatic change in sex ratio within a very short time span has made officials and experts skeptical of the figures, with the finger being pointed at the state government's Bhagyalakshmi scheme for giving the sex ratio an artificial boost.

Part of the rise in the sex ratio is natural. Karnataka is, indeed, seeing a secular rise in the ratio as the socio-economic conditions and delivery of healthcare improves in the state. But without doubt, a part of the rise is an artificial bump, courtesy Bhagyalakshmi scheme, say people versed with the matter.

Isnt it govts responsibility to launch schemes and incentives to correct social malice's. In this case, Karnataka govt has launched Bhagyalakshmi scheme to improve sex ratio and it is bearing results.  How can this be called artificial bump? example being GOI is incentivizing people to have less children, Would TOI call population decrease “artificial bump” due to increase in usage of contraceptives!.

Lastly, Media Watch is still trying to understand what TOI meant ‘secular rise’. Hope it donot mean that since that part of growth is not due to influence of Karnatakas BJP govt so it is secular

Advani’s Regret–Tracking change in Media Headlines

After propoganda run, Media is silently changing their headlines to something more nearer to truth.

NDTV Headline now reads Advani expresses regret to Sonia for black money allegations

NDTV’s earlier headline was Advani apologises to Sonia for black money allegations (refer previous blog for screenshots)

 

Media Passes off LKA rebuke to Sonia as Apology

This entry into media watch is pertaining to the  L. K . Advanis so called “apology” to Sonia Gandhi on the issue of Black Money

Indian express in their report L K Advani says sorry to Sonia for Swiss account insult writes

Senior BJP leader L K Advani has apologised to Congress President Sonia Gandhi for a party-appointed taskforce report, which had alleged that she and her late husband Rajiv had accounts in Swiss banks.

This had led Sonia Gandhi to write a letter to Advani denying the allegation.

Sources said Gandhi had said neither she nor her husband held Swiss bank accounts.

In his reply to the Congress President's letter, Advani expressed regret that Rajiv and Sonia's name were mentioned in the report.

Advani, however, also stated in his reply that the Gandhis should have denied this publicly when there were murmurs that names of her family members could figure in the report.

Advani said the name of her family members would not have then figured in the taskforce report.

TOI published exactly same news under the report Advani says sorry to Sonia on Swiss bank account issue. Perhaps for first time in history TOI and IE carried news which matches word to word

As expected NDTV goes overboard in their report Advani apologises to Sonia for black money allegations

Senior BJP leader L K Advani has apologised to Congress President Sonia Gandhi for a party-appointed task force report, which had alleged that she and her late husband Rajiv had accounts in Swiss banks.

Sources said in the letter, Gandhi had said that neither she nor her husband held Swiss bank accounts.
In his reply to the Congress President's letter, Advani expressed regret about her name and that of her late husband being mentioned in the task force report.
However, Advani also stated in his reply that the Gandhis should have denied this publicly when there were murmurs that names of her family members could figure in the report.

Advani said had she done so, the name of her family members would not have figured in the task force.

NDTV’s Group editor Barkha Dutt even speculated about unrest in BJP due to this issue. Not sure where she got her info or was it a figment of her fertile imagination

Grumblings and rumblings within BJP over Advani's apology to sonia gandhi. belief that it weakens the party's black money campaign..

Of all the Media Houses, IBN has given a more balanced report. They in their report Black money charge: Advani regrets hurting Sonia writes

In the letter Advani said that it would have been better if she (Sonia) had clarified on the black money issue earlier. Then the BJP task force would not have made the allegations, he wrote in the letter. Advani also regretted any hurt caused to Sonia.

A BJP task force letter written by Advani at the BJP's national executive at Guwahati had alleged that Sonia and her husband Rajiv Gandhi held foreign bank accounts.

In response, Sonia wrote a letter denying that she or any one from her family had any such accounts.

The BJP has been demanding that the names of those with money stashed abroad be made public.

However, Congress sources told CNN-IBN that Advani has not apologised to Sonia.

Lets start the analysis keeping in background the fact that the budget session of parliament is slated to start Feb 21 and congress will again be cornered for JPC on 2G scam. Also, lets the be reminded of PM’s press conference fiasco.

Lets start with the basic issue is apology same as regret?

The difference between apology and regret is important. For example, in Australia, the Prime Minister,John Howard has refused to apologise to the Aboriginal but he has expressed regret. In the downing of US surveillance aircraft in China, the US president, George W. Bush has expressed deep regret but has refused to apologise, despite the Chinese government demanding it.

What is the difference? The definition of the the word apology includes an admission of error or wrongdoing on one's part.  Regret is not an admission of wrongdoing!

So it means that LKA has not admitted that the inclusion of name of Sonias family was an wrongdoing!

Now lets check the context in which “regret” was used

In the letter Advani said that it would have been better if she (Sonia) had clarified on the black money issue earlier. Then the BJP task force would not have made the allegations, he wrote in the letter. Advani also regretted any hurt caused to Sonia.

India Blooms News Service reports

Then the BJP task force would not have made such allegations, he wrote.
Advani also regretted if Sonia was hurt.

So even the usage of regret was for the hurt it may have caused. In fact on the issue of black money, LKA seems to have rapped on her knuckles of Sonia for not publicly clarifying this issue.  Also, IBN has quoted congress sources denying LKA has apologized!

It is also interesting to note that how media is attributing news about Sonia to sources (thus by implication not sure or to be denied later)

Sources said Gandhi had said neither she nor her husband held Swiss bank accounts.

While reporting on LKA’s letter was carried as as if they have LKA letter with them(not attributed to source). In such case, one would be tempted to ask why is the letter not published in totality?

Lastly, if you would notice source of all this news is PTI (NDTV-PTI, TOI-PTI, IE-Agencies) while IBN is attributing the source to its own correspondents. This may be the reason why IBN report is different from all others.

Now BJP has released the actual letter which was send to Sonia Gandhi and as expected Media was twisting the facts out of context.  As you would notice from the letter, LKA has said

On my return from Kolkatta last night I found your letter dated 15 February awaiting me.

I am happy that you have categorically denied the reports alluded to in the Task Force’s report on Black Money.  If these had been denied earlier, I am sure the Task Force would have factored in, the denial in its report.  Even so, I deeply regret the distress caused to you.

Only Indian media is capable of twisting a rebuke from a senior politician like LKA into an apology! 

SHAME ON INDIAN MEDIA

Media Watch

Congress Government in Assam offers free computers to journalists

It seems to be a good time to be a journalist in Assam. Congress government is offering journalists free computers. According to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi the offer was meant to recognize the “contribution” journalists make to society. According to Debo Bora, the press adviser to the state's chief minister nearly 600 journalists have signed up to receive the free laptops. Media Watch is surprised that Assam has 600 journalists with more than 10 years of experience!

Saving grace is some reporters rejected the Assam state government's offer. Nava Thakuriya, secretary of the Gauhati Press Club, criticized the plan, calling it "cheap politics."

It may be a minor detail that the timing of the offer is highly questionable, coming just a few weeks before the polls.

The sorry state of Indian Media can be gauged from the fact, this news was reported in The Canadian Press. But not in Indian Mainstream media!

 

TOI It is distasteful to portray Yogini is such manner

Yogini (Sanskrit: योगिनी) is the feminine form corresponding to the masculine yogi. A Yogi is someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy to a high level of attainment

Hindu Society associate word Yogi with great souls like of likes of Swami Sivananda, Pramahamsa Yogananda, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Sri Tirumalai Krisnamacharya, Sri Aurobindo, Bikram Choudhary, Swami Narayanananda, Swami Satchinanda, Jaggi Vaasudev, Patanjali, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Lahiri Mahasya, Matsyendranath, Trailanga Swami, Mahendranath Gupta, Swami Abhedananda, Paramahamsa Hariharananda 

TOI in its article The sexy yogini seems to be paint a extremely distasteful picture of a Yogini. Among other things they even manage to ridicules the beliefs saying

She does not sit cross-legged, enveloped by fumes of incense. She does not quote from ancient Hindu scriptures or instruct students to chant Om and execute headstands for attainment of moksha.

Hope TOI do understand that Hinduism has never said that “executing headstands is a way to attain of moksha”. And to brand a skimpily dressed women striking a vulgar pose is an insult to such great souls.

SHAME

Aziz Bureny, Chief Editor of Rozanama Rashtriya Sahara, apologised for malicious writings against RSS

Aziz Bureny, Chief Editor of  Rozanama  Rashtriya Sahara , apologised for his malicious writings against RSS. He has authored a book in Urdu  ”RSS ki Sajis:26/11” which was released in  December 2010. Two senior political leaders Digvijay Singh, General secretary of the  Congress Party and  Deputy Chairman  of Rajya Sabha K Rahman Khan   were present in the release function in which they praised Burney for his ‘brave’ writings

Following is the details of the apology published in Rashtriya Sahara ,January 28,2011

Actual Screen shot of apology in Hindi



Translation of the above Hindi  text (in box) published in Rashtriya Sahara ,January 28, 2011, Front Page

“Burney’s clarification and apology”

“In the Context of book RSS conspiracy:26/11”

“My article which I quoted in my series of write ups titled “26/11 the biggest attack in the history of India” was written after the release of the book. The article carries the caption “Hafiz Saeed is our culprit, hand him  over  to us.” I am neither connecting RSS to the 26/11 attack nor weakening India’s position through my write up published in the Roznama Rashtriya Sahara on17th December, 2010. Through this article, I don’t intend either to put allegation on anyone or hurt anyone’s  sentiments. I never intended to allege anyone through my series of articles. If my writings  have hurt sentiments of countrymen, I tender my apology for the same. And if need be I am prepared to change the title of my book. As a citizen of the country, I  apologise for the mistakes committed on my part. In future, I will be cautious in my writings in future  so that  no one’s sentiments hurt. I was only trying to put my thoughts across the readers through my write up. Owning the responsibilities for the inconveniences caused to the patriots and countrymen knowingly or unknowingly by my thoughts, I apologize from the core of my heart.“

Please read below on details of how this case was won. This was published in a blog and Media Watch can neither confirm or refute veracity of details.

This is not first time a Newspaper has apologised to RSS. Last time it was The Statesman.
The Statesman on January 15, 2000 published an Article by A.G. Noorani’s “RSS & Services, A Half Century’s Gory Record” in RSS was accused of Murder of Mahatma Gandhi

When the article was published in the Statesman on January 15, 2000, the RSS office in New Delhi filed a defamation suit against A. G. Noorani, C. R. Irani, Ravindra Kumar (Editor and Managing Editor of the Statesman, respectively), and Devvrata (cartoonist), in a New Delhi court. When two of these men did not respond to the court summons, non-bailable warrants were issued against them. The case even went to the Delhi High Court. When the accused realized that they would not be able to escape the guilty verdict, they begged the court that they be allowed to submit an unconditional apology to the RSS. Finally, on February 25, 2002 A.G. Noorani submitted a written apology to the Court in which he regretted writing the article. He promised that the newspaper would publish his apology prominently within a fortnight in the editorial pages. This was done on March 3, 2002. The apology says the following:

Clarification: “We wish to clarify that the publication was made without malice and with no intention to denigrate or defame any person or persons, or RSS. We regret the publication.” (The Statesman, March 3, 2002)

Screen Shots & details of Aziz Burney Case

Shourie: Hindustan Times practice Swallow and Vomit Journalism & NDTV Reporter is a fool!

It is hilarious that inspite of Arun Shourie making such a strong case againt “swallow & vomit” jorunalism and even calls an NDTV reporter fool. IBN puts the news as “BJP not interested in pursuing 2G case: Shourie” As if the entire interview was about BJP! No mention of how Manmohan Singh didnot followup, no mention of CBI being given full information…Well as we say “Dog's Tail will Never Get Straight”

Hear the full interview here.

Its Valentine Day; Its the day Medias whips RSS

Its Valentine Day, the day which Media uses to whip RSS and Sangh Parivar.

The first report of the day has come from TOI. TOI in its report Sangh Parivar threatens to spoil Valentine Day's party writes

When the youngsters are gearing up to celebrate Valentine's day on Monday, cadres of Hindu Munanni and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have decided to oppose it saying that it is against the Indian culture.

So if you go by TOI report,  RSS is going all out to “spoil” valentine party.

However, the truth is written in a line at bottom

RSS Chennai president Durai Shankar said his organisation was also against the celebration of Valentine's day. "This kind of culture will spoil the minds of youngsters. Parents should advice them not to indulge in such type of activities."
However, he said his organisation would not stage any protest.

However, the fact is written in a line at bottom. So inspite what TOI has written in its heading  and first para, RSS is not holding any protests which may spoil valentine party for few.!

Some Journalists wants to repeat Egypt in Kashmir!

Every one knows Barkha Dutt but Who is this Raheelk?

Surprise O surprise… he is Journalist  who used to work for IBN and CNN

So one Journalist  who used to work for IBN and Times Now wants to repeat Egypt in Kashmir, another senior journalist and Group Editor, English News of NDTV instead of reprimanding him gives him advice on how he should position his message!!

Lead from @satyabhashnam

Media says Arun Shourie “summoned and to be questioned”

This entry into Media Watch is pertaining to the news appearing in Media that CBI has summoned Arun Shourie for questioning.

Times of India in its report 2G scam: CBI to question Arun Shourie on Feb 21 writes

The CBI approached Shourie last week asking him to appear before the agency in connection with the preliminary enquiry registered by the agency following a direction from the Supreme Court. ….he later conveyed to the agency that he will appearing before it on February 21 after his return from Kolkata.

Times Now goes even further and reports that CBI summons Shourie in 2G case writes

The Central Bureau of Investigation widens its investigations of the 2G spectrum allocation scam. Former telecom minister Arun Shourie is going to be questioned by the CBI on the the 2G scam. Shourie will be questioned on 21st February. Summons have been issued to him in relation to the 2G spectrum allocation policies he followed when he was the telecom minister in 2003.
Shourie speaking to TIMES NOW has played down the summons and said that he would meet the CBI officials whenever they want and that he would make himself available to the CBI on the February 21.

Arun Shourie will appear before the CBI in connection with the agency's probe into possible criminal aspects in the telecom policy since 2001. The CBI approached Shourie last week asking him to appear before the agency in connection with the Preliminary Enquiry registered by the agency following a direction from the Supreme Court.

So if one were to be believe Times Now, it would appear CBI has widened its investigations to include Arun Shourie and he will be questioned by CBI. When asked Arun Shourie tried to ‘downplay’ the summons

Deccan Chronicle gives an amusing twist in its report 2G scam: CBI summons Arun Shourie after 'warning' interview and writes

The Central Bureau of Investigation has summoned former Telecom Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Shourie for questioning in the 2G scam.

Shourie had claimed in an interview earlier that he had warned party colleagues Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, and even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the 2G scam. But he maintains, his words were completely ignored by everyone.Shourie also claimed that he had approached the Prime Minister with 'all the details of the front companies of sacked telecom minister A. Raja' and was promised a meeting with the PM’s principal secretary, but no call

Take notice how Deccan Chronicle tires to down play PM part.

Infact, todays Deccan Chronicle Says Shourie to be grilled by CBI (refer last screenshot)

Surprisingly, even Indian Express reports in their article 2G scam: CBI calls in Shourie for probe

The CBI approached Shourie last week asking him to appear before the agency in connection with the Preliminary Enquiry registered by the agency following a direction from the Supreme Court.

In  Aam Admi’s parlance, the words like summon and questioning are used when one is accused of a wrong doing and the police ‘summon’ you for ‘questioning’. So if we were to take Media reports at face value, CBI has ‘summoned’ Arun shourie for ‘questioning’…

But whats the fact?

To understand the actual facts, we have to back refer older news which were linked to Aruns interview,

Indian Express in their report ‘I named 2G front cos to PM in 2009’ 

Shourie, who has called up the CBI on various occasions to offer his assistance, said that he is going to meet the CBI on February 21. “I offered to meet them yesterday, but the officers said they had to prepare for their Court appearance. After I meet them, I will tell the press the exact questions they asked along with my reply.”

Even, NDTV in its report 2G spectrum probe: Arun Shourie to appear before CBI on Feb 21 writes

BJP leader and former Telecom Minister Arun Shourie will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 21 in connection with its probe into the 2G spectrum scam. He has offered to explain to the agency all that he knows about the scam.

IBN in its report 2G scam: CBI to question Arun Shourie on Feb 21 writes

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned former telecom minister Arun Shourie for questioning in connection to the 2G scam on February 21.

Shourie volunteered himself to be questioned on the scam. Shourie had told CNN-IBN that he had written a letter to the CBI seeking an appointment on February 21.

Indian Express reports details of Aruns conversation during Idea Exchange here. This is what exactly Arun Said 

Shekhar Gupta: Has the CBI been in touch with you?

Arun Shourie: I had rung up Mr. A P Singh, the CBI Director, about two months ago, saying that now that you are questioning former officials like Pradip Baijal and Vinod Vaish, I am sure you would want to question me, so I will come any day. The date has been fixed for February 21.

Amusingly, as always IBN took a risk free approach and tried to please both sides. Saving grace is they do report that Shourie “volunteered himself to be questioned”

So from the reports above it seems that Shourie was not “summoned for questioning” but he “volunteered himself to be questioned”. At first glace both seems to be same but first one usually is done by a accused while later is done by a honest and upright person with noble intentions.

We have to learn from our media to turn a “upright person with noble intentions” to someone who is “summoned for questioning”