Sethi makes another dig at newsmen

Summary

This English-language Times of India news report, dated 13 April 1972 and filed from Gwalior, describes Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister P. C. Sethi’s latest criticism of newspaper reporters. The report says Sethi objected to what he regarded as a local newspaper’s distortion of events and, at a press conference, theatrically moved away a copy of the paper.

The clipping presents Sethi as dismissive of journalists, quoting him as calling reporters “time-servers” who might move to another newspaper. It also reports his apparent threat to restrict journalists and photographers from reaching the site of Jayaprakash Narayan’s impending surrender ceremony at Jaura in Morena district. No author byline is visible; the item is attributed to “The Times of India” News Service.

Key points

• The report is dated 13 April 1972 and is filed from Gwalior.
• It concerns Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister P. C. Sethi’s criticism of newspapermen.
• Sethi is reported to have accused a local newspaper of distortion.
• The report describes Sethi moving away a copy of the newspaper at a press conference.
• Sethi is quoted as portraying journalists as temporary, potentially disloyal employees.
• The clipping reports a threat to prevent newsmen and photographers from reaching Jayaprakash Narayan’s surrender ceremony at Jaura.