16 June,2011 06:51 AM IST | | Ravikiran Deshmukh
Some ministers reportedly expressed apprehensions about enacting a law that would protect the very people who tarnish their image and affect their career
EVEN as Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters yesterday that there was a "broad consensus" in the state Cabinet regarding the passage of the bill to protect journalists, insiders have told MiD DAY that the decision to support the legislation actually saw considerable opposition from ministers.
Sources said ministers were apprehensive about enacting a law that would protect the very people who tarnish their image and affect their career.
Despite considerable opposition from ministers in the state Cabinet yesterday, Chief Minister
Prithviraj Chavan was firm on the introduction of the bill
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"While some good journalists report factually, some, particularly from the small newspapers, indulge in mud-slinging," a Cabinet minister reportedly told his colleagues.
A senior Congress minister pointed out that even one news report based on unverified data ruins their hard-earned reputation and that a small clarification the next day does nothing to help restore their image among voters and party bosses.
The CM, however, was firm on the introduction of the bill in the state assembly's Monsoon Session and even reminded his Cabinet colleagues that 'Delhi' also wanted the bill to be passed.
Among those also batting for the bill was Home Minister R R Patil, who is in the dock over the J Dey murder case. "I was the first to push for the bill and had even introduced a proposal.
But, I had to face the Cabinet's ire when most of you asked me why the proposal was moved by the Home department.
I am being targeted by the media despite the fact that the Home department withdrew the proposal based on the suggestion that it should be introduced by the Information and Public Relations department," Patil reportedly told the Cabinet.
Committee debate
It was also suggested that the proposed Cabinet Committee to draft the bill should comprise ministers like Narayan Rane and Rajendra Darda, who run Prahaar and Lokmat respectively.
Sources, however, said that both of them immediately expressed their unwillingness to participate.
"Now, with the CM getting some instructions from Delhi, it will be interesting to see how the committee comes into being," said a minister, requesting anonymity.u00a0
CBI probe opposed
According to sources, ministers, most of them from the NCP, were opposed to the CBI taking over the u00a0J Dey murder case. Their contention was that the move could prove that the police force in the state was ineffective and send out a wrong message across the nation. The NCP is already facing flak over the working of the police, which comes under its minister, R R Patil.
