Congress Calls Raids On NewsClick Journalists "Distraction From Explosive Findings Of Bihar Caste Census"

The Congress asserted on Tuesday (3 October) that the raids on contributing journalists at NewsClick were a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the significant revelations of the caste survey in Bihar and the escalating demand for a nationwide caste census.

In response to the early morning raids conducted by Delhi Police's Special Cell at over 30 locations associated with the online portal NewsClick and the residences of its journalists, Pawan Khera, the head of Congress' media and publicity department, labeled it as a "fresh distraction" from the "explosive findings of caste census in Bihar and the growing demand for caste census across the country."

Khera indirectly commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "When he faces questions from out of syllabus, he resorts to the only counter he has in his predictable syllabus - Distraction," The Hindu reported.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also criticised the government for the raids, suggesting that despite a group of sycophants, certain journalists still have the courage to speak the truth. She accused the PM of having an issue with those who speak the truth and ask questions, emphasising that these individuals may face intimidation and raids.

The Congress leaders' statements came a day after the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar unveiled the findings of its long-anticipated caste survey, revealing that OBCs and EBCs make up 63 per cent of the state's total population months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Prior to the Delhi Police's actions, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted raids at NewsClick's premises to investigate its funding sources. The Special Cell's current raids are reportedly based on information provided by the central agency, and a new case has been registered for further investigation.