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Kejriwal Emphasizes Press Role in Democracy on World Press Freedom Day

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal greeted journalists on World Press Freedom Day, emphasizing the press's crucial role in democracy. He stated that journalists must question both government and opposition impartially to ensure democratic systems function effectively. Kejriwal stressed that journalists should have the freedom to speak truth without fear or pressure. Meanwhile, the Congress party launched a sharp attack on press freedom in India, citing its ranking of 157 in the World Press Freedom Index 2026.

Key Points: Kejriwal: Press Role Crucial in Democracy

  • Kejriwal greets journalists on World Press Freedom Day
  • Emphasizes impartial questioning of govt and opposition
  • Stresses journalists must speak truth without fear
  • Congress attacks India's press freedom ranking of 157
2 min read

"Role of press in democracy is extremely crucial": AAP's Arvind Kejriwal on World Press Freedom Day

AAP's Arvind Kejriwal stresses impartial press role in democracy on World Press Freedom Day. Congress criticizes India's low press freedom ranking.

"The role of the press in democracy is extremely crucial. - Arvind Kejriwal"

New Delhi, May 3

Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the role of the press is extremely important in a democracy on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

He stated that journalists must hold both the government and the opposition accountable in an impartial manner so that democratic systems function effectively and no political side deviates from its responsibilities.

In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, "Greetings to fellow journalists on World Press Freedom Day. The role of the press in democracy is extremely crucial. The responsibility of the press is to question both the government and the opposition with complete impartiality, so that neither the opposition nor the government ever deviates from their path."

He further emphasised that in a strong democracy, journalists must be free to speak the truth without fear or pressure.

"In a strong democracy, journalists should have the freedom to speak the truth without any fear," the post added.

Every year, May 3 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day. This occasion celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom and is an opportunity to evaluate press freedom worldwide, to defend the media from attacks on their independence, and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

The day holds significance for press freedom and its independence.

It is a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Congress party also launched a sharp attack on the state of press freedom in India, citing the country's ranking of 157 in the World Press Freedom Index 2026, which places it in the "very serious" category.

Congress said that a free press is the voice of democracy, but alleged that it is under attack.

In a post on X, it expressed solidarity with journalists and voices that "speak truth to power" and strive to protect democratic values.

"A free press is the voice of democracy, but today that voice is under attack. India ranks 157 in the World Press Freedom Index 2026, falling into the "very serious" category. On World Press Freedom Day, the Congress party stands firmly with every fearless voice that speaks truth to power and fights to protect democracy," the post read.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally someone from a major party acknowledging the importance of press freedom! But the Congress ranking of 157 shouldn't be the only focus—we need to look at how journalists are attacked online and physically too. Every party needs to introspect.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, talk is cheap. The press should question everyone equally—including Kejriwal's liquor policy or Modi's handling of protests. But we all know media is divided along political lines. Until that changes, days like this are just photo ops. 📸
A
Ananya R
Very true! A free press keeps democracy alive. I just hope all leaders follow this principle in practice. The recent attacks on journalists in various states are concerning. We need more than just tweets—we need action. 🙏
S
Siddharth J
Good speech by Kejriwal, but remember: his own party workers have manhandled journalists before. The Congress pointing fingers at the government is also ironic given their own record on press freedom during UPA days. Indian politics needs a reality check across the board.
J
James A
As an outsider looking in, India's press freedom index drop is alarming. Kejriwal's words are nice but media must be free from all pressure—be it political, corporate, or mob. The fact that Congress and AAP compete to show concern suggests they know the problem exists.
K

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