No comments, says Nitish on press freedom charge

Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday declined to comment on Press Council chairman Justice Markandey Katju's statement that the press did not enjoy freedom in the state and was harassed if they wrote against the government.

"I am not required to offer any comment," Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of the 87th foundation day of the Patna Medical College Hospital here.

However, health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, who was also present said, "Press enjoys full freedom in Bihar".

Press Council chairman Justice Markandey Katju said that the press did not enjoy freedom in Bihar.

"We will congratulate Katjusaheb if he sees only the issue of freedom of press instead of finding out what is happening in Bihar and the steps taken by Nitish Kumar for development with justice in the state," he said.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, however, came out in support of Katju saying the Press Council chairman said only things that were correct. We will call him on our stage manch, he said.

After slamming Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan over attacks on journalists in the state, Katju had on Friday targeted the Bihar government alleging the media in the state was harassed if it wrote against the government.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)