The very spirit of democracy relies on the quality of being able to take criticism constructively. They say "Eternal vigilance is the price of Democracy". A free and a thriving media helps bring accountability through transparency. In my view, it is this very idea that was attacked by the goons. In other words, the attack was on the idea and the institution of democracy.

This nature of tolerance to criticism is completely alien to the men who were behind these attacks. What was more shocking was nearly explicit endorsement of the violence by their party spokesperson â€\" who owned up the attack and justified the attack as a spontaneous reaction of the attackers! And these ‘spontaneous’ reaction happened simultaneously in Mumbai and Pune!!!!

It is very clear that they wanted to send a strong signal to any media that dares to criticize Mr.Balasaheb. The message one discerns is the party believes that might is right and will not hesitate to snub any uncomfortable noises â€\" using any means!

A thought for all of us... Is this the culture we need to let grow so that we can proudly tell our children what - democracy means? What India is? What leadership is?

No reason can justify the incident. If the party has to have any standing, it should immediately take control of these goons and focus on healthy debate on issues that they stand for. And not implicitly approve of such uncivil acts.

This incident also offers a valuable opportunity for the administration to instill public confidence. Instead of just taking credit for arresting 7 attackers (apparently caught by the IBN staff), the CM of Maharashtra and the police should ensure that the those behind the acts are brought to justice. Both, the doers and the controllers. As far we the aam-admis are concerned â€\" let us choose wisely.

In this state of lawlessness, everyone is a soft target in the hands of goonda animals. Unfortunately, journalists get targeted more because they are in such a profession that pits them directly against such species of animals. Journalists in India should be commended all the more for their courage and professionalism. IBN, I, like many others, would not just like to voice out support to you, but do something if we can. Let us know.

Every one who is against right-wing fanatics are all soft targets.
Unfortunately the reason this non-sense is tolerated is because of people of India who vote for these right-wing leaders.

These would have never happened if these guys were never voted to power, so part of blame also goes to people who vote them and those who dont vote at all.

SS and MNS are taking law unto their hands. They are certainly not the beacons of democracy in this country. They are not the guardians of this society in which we live in. They need to be taught a very tough lesson and should be branded as a terrorist outfit. Orders need to be passed for shoot at sight if we see any of these SS and MNS animals roaming this great country.

Media journalists have also been bearing the brunt of the attack along with others in the civil society.

it is so disguisting to see the way this shivsainiks attacked the ibnlokmat office like cowards this is not the first time nikhil wagle is targeted .if this is happening to the media what about us the commanman. i am really sorry to say this what u can expect from this govt when they can bring rr patil back to te power do u really thing they will take action against the ringmaster.

The latest attack on ibnlokmat office by the hoodlums shows the utter bankcruptsy of wisdom by the ageing tiger. They lost the poll now they have lost even the bit of identity of representing the so call cause of marathi manus. Shame on these group of thugs who are aware that their days are counted in the arena of Maharashtra politics. Rajdeep & Wagle we are there with your cause.

It is really shocking to see a poltical party behave in such a uncivilised way.Those who cannot face the truth about an icon being an Indian first,how are they going to protect the pride of mumbikars.If strong action is not taken by the authorities
it can lead to Talibanisation of India by different political GOONS.Any kind of voilence against the presss deplorable.If these men can behave in such unrully way in front of cameras think what they can do to a common man who has the courage to say bitter truth.

shiv sena must be banned ,i dont think there will be any action or arrest ,this govt.is very soft on shiv sena especially rr patil, bcoz rr patil is ex shivsainik.like raj thakre ,shiv sainik will also get away.nodbody is above law then why raj and bal thakre are not arrested?this govt has no right to stay in power bcoz they cannot protect the citizen , here in mahrashtra there is no govt only jungle raj prevails.cm and home minister must resign.

Yes, media is a soft target as they are courageous and dare to tell the truth. Rajdeep, get justice for the whole media community and preserve democracy!

The best way to solve the problem would be drag Shiv Sena to court by those who have been attacked. They deserve a severe punishment. The Shiv sainiks have no right to take the law into their own hands just to get the publicity they are looking for. Shiv Sena should be banned for their meaningless attacks and unjust politics towards the citizens just to gain political mileage.