In an interview to a National Daily, the Union minister, Prakash Javadekar stated that he has belief that pollution due to stubble burning will be less this year because of the centre’s measures. He also added that the country will see “minimum loss because of COVID-19” in winter months. He also stated that the PM is directly connecting with the people which he said has a great impact. In the issue of TRP conflict he said that it should be very clear that the government does not take sides. He also said that in his tweet, which created some discussions and debates, he meant that the inhibition of press is not welcome and that he had not specified any channel or person.

He further explained that BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) is an independent institute founded by advertisers and broadcasters and that it is the job of both these stakeholders to run BARC efficiently. He further stated that GOI has not interfered in it.

In the matters of Congress pulling up BJP, in the context of upcoming Bihar polls, he added that the Congress-led opposition, not the BJP is bringing up issues related to Pakistan in Bihar polls. He argued that when leaders like Tharoor use platforms like Lahore Lit Fest to criticize the GOI’s handling of Covid, they are essentially speaking in the language of Pakistan. He reiterated that when Congress criticizes the move to scrap Article 370, it is indirectly using Pakistan’s language.

The author is a student member of Amity Centre of Happiness.