Days after Republic TV journalist was heckled at Jignesh Mevani’s flop Yuva Hunkar Rally, Jignesh Mevani again targeted Republic TV, demanding removal of the journalist from the channel at his press conference in Chennai. However, he was snubbed by media persons of Chennai and the journalists walked out of his press conference in solidarity with Republic TV journalist. He was present for an event at the Quaid-e Milleth International Academy of Media Studies.

However, Mevani refused to speak as he saw a reporter of Republic TV among the media persons. He didn’t budge even after media persons assured him that the Republic journalist would not pose questions.

As per video uploaded by Republic, the conversation went something like this. “Let the mike be removed” said Mevani “You can’t demand that”, replied Shabbir Ahmed, a journalist with Times Now “Then I will not [speak]”, Mevani replied “Then leave it, we don’t want [the press conference]”, the same journalist replied. Jignesh Mevani replied ,”I don’t mind” and left the premises.

Despite competitiveness amongst media houses, the show of solidarity against the bullying by Vadgam MLA was highly appreciated on social media.

TN media asks @jigneshmevani80 to leave…as he wanted a particular channel’s mic to be removed from a press conference. Chennai media says ‘No need for your Press conference’ you can’t dictate terms to us. — Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) January 16, 2018

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However one handle from Chennai criticised media persons for boycotting Jignesh Mevani

Agree that @jigneshmevani80 cannot dictate terms to the press. But its really amusing how the Fourth Estate always stands up for their rights & always finds it easy to show the “newly empowered” their “place”. Cute. https://t.co/I6K5E0Y0tR — Mizzly (@mazhai_magal) January 16, 2018

It is amusing to see champions of freedom of press bully media persons who do not toe their line.