Dhankuta, May 15

Nepali Congress central leader and former finance minister Ramsharan Mahat today said the government would be compelled to withdraw the Media Council Draft Bill tabled in the Parliament.

Speaking at a press meet organised by Nepal Press Union in Dhankuta, Mahat held that the government should withdraw the Media Council Bill brought without consulting the media sector. He accused the government of trying to gag the free press. He said the government’s move to suppress the press had put democracy in peril.

“The assault on free press which is regarded as the pillar of democracy, is not acceptable to the Nepali Congress. NC has thrown its weight behind agitating journalists,” he stated. He argued that the media draft bill should be withdrawn.

Mahat charged the government was making interventionist laws and becoming tyrannical. Noting that the government was headed towards authoritarianism, Mahat warned that his party would not remain a mute spectator.

Mahat slammed the government for inking agreement against national sovereignty and national interest. He said the policies and programmes presented by the government were meant for earning cheap popularity. Mahat opined that his party would not wage violent agitation to achieve political goals.