TBN, Bhubaneswar 02/09/2025
Odisha Pradesh Congress President Bhakta Charan Das has landed himself and his party into controversy by making derogatory remarks about journalists in Odisha, calling them “slaves” and “stupids.” This episode has caused a major uproar, with both the journalist community and the public condemning his statements, seen as a self-destructive move at a time when the Congress is fighting to regain political relevance in the state.
Bhakta Charan Das’s Provocative Statement.
During an interaction with a group of TV journalists and YouTube content creators, Bhakta Charan Das bluntly accused the Odisha media of all the irregularities and illegality being done by the people in power. In a sweeping statement Bhakta Das mocked the journalists of the state as slaves and questioned their intelligence, referring to them collectively as “stupids”.
The sweeping nature of these remarks has not only hurt the journalistic fraternity but also reflected poorly on Congress’s standing in the public sphere. Journalists’ associations across Odisha have responded strongly, issuing statements that criticize Das and demanded public apology.
State Union of Journalists ( SUJ) president Kailash Nayak has strongly criticised Bhakta Das. “ Bhakta Das has lost his mind, he must beg apology. Failing which SUJ might call for #BoycottBhaktaDas campaign in the state shortly” said Kailash Nayak.
Similarly Utkal Sambadika Sangha, another strong journalist union too condemned Das’ statement. Demanding apology, Bibhuti Bhushan Kar, President said we will write to AICC and Rahul Gandhi against Bhakta Das’ irresponsible statements against journalists.
Congress’s Mixed Media Approach Contrast with Rahul Gandhi
The timing of Bhakta Das’s outburst is particularly damaging as it directly contradicts the broader Congress narrative championed by Rahul Gandhi. In Bihar, Rahul Gandhi has recently reached out to small digital content creators and independent journalists, offering support and projecting Congress as a party with “no grudge against media”. His efforts to highlight issues neglected by mainstream outlets and his show of respect for digital and grassroots journalists stand in stark contrast to Das’s antagonistic tone.
Statewide Uproar and Self-Goal Accusations
Bhakta Das’s remarks have given the ruling BJP and rival BJD parties an opportunity to attack Congress’s credibility on media freedom and democratic values. The controversy threatens to disrupt Congress’s attempts to regain ground in Odisha, as the focus shifts from policy issues to the party’s internal discord and public relations failures. Veteran political observers note that Bhakta’s “suicidal” comment could alienate both the press and the broader electorate just as Congress was attempting to rebuild post-election.
Journalists’ Response and Political Fallout
Journalists’ associations across Odisha have united in their rejection of Das’s statements, labelling them as an affront to the independence of the press. The episode has overshadowed political campaigns and forced Congress onto the defensive, while also highlighting deep schisms between local leadership styles and the party’s national messaging.
Conclusion
By rebuking Odisha journalists as “slaves” and “stupids,” Bhakta Charan Das has inadvertently committed a “suicidal goal,” inviting condemnation from the media fraternity and delivering an unwelcome distraction at a time of potential renewal for Congress. His comments illustrate a glaring contradiction with Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing media outreach and no-hate message, setting back the party’s public relations in the state and offering ammunition to political opponents
