Kejriwal’s remarks not aimed at journalists, says AAP leader

"It is only a tiny section of the media owners and editors, which is actually playing the games"

"It is the top pyramid of media, a tiny section of the media owners and editors, which is actually playing the games," said Goa Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Rajendra Kakodkar on Saturday. When confronted with questions by some journalists at AAP's press briefing here on Saturday over continued hostility of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal against media, Mr. Kakodkar admitted that Mr. Kejriwal should not generalise and be specific of his criticism of the media. Mr. Kakodkar said the reporters and journalists, by and large and people are on the same page. It is the ownership of media which is controlling the fraternity who Mr. Kejriwal is actually targeting.

"In no way his attack should be construed as an attack on journalists in general and lower and middle rung of functionaries who work in the media houses", he reiterated.

He also advised the journalist fraternity to speak out about the pressures to indulge in paid news and other such malpractices which damage free space of media and its credibility.

In that context, he welcomed the reactions from some of the respected media-persons recently, advising media not to be so sensitive to criticism from Mr. Kejriwal and instead to take the opportunity to introspect about ills within.