After PM's last rally in the state, scheduled for September 24 in Mandi, was cancelled due to bad weather, all attention is focused on the PM's visit tomorrow.
Digital Desk: For access and security passes to cover Prime Minister Narendra Modi's day-long visit to Himachal Pradesh tomorrow, all media have been requested to provide a character certificate. After his last rally in the state, scheduled for September 24 in Mandi, was cancelled due to inclement weather, all eyes are on the prime minister's visit tomorrow.
The directive issued by the district administration has generated a significant uproar.
Not only have journalists from privately owned print, internet, and news television outlets been asked to provide "character verification" credentials, but also representatives from state-run media such as All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan. On September 29, 2022, the police also made an official notification about the matter.
"The character verification certificate must be delivered to the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID, Bilaspur, by October 1, 2022. This office will determine their access to the rally or meeting "According to the notification.
In response to the police notification, AAP Spokesperson Pankaj Pandit told India Today TV that this is the first time in his 22-year journalism career that he has seen such a weird demand.
"Modi ji's visit to the state is not his first. The need for a character certificate is embarrassing and an attempt to limit the operations of the media "Pandit stated.
The Himachal Congress committee's chief spokesperson, Naresh Chauhan, also denounced the administration's demand, saying it violated media freedom.
When approached, the DPRO Bilaspur refused to accept official identity cards to grant security passes, claiming that the character certificate was required. He even wanted an official stamp on journalists' digital ID cards.
"Everyone is required to observe this formality. "The SP and CID departments have requested character verification certificates," said DPRO Kuldeep Guleria.
The irony is that although journalists were requested to submit character verification certificates, thousands of others who were brought in to join the event were not allowed to show any identification.
After the news leaked, Himachal Pradesh's top cop, Sanjay Kundu, stated, "The Hon'ble Prime Minister's visit to Himachal Pradesh tomorrow, October 5, 2022, is open to all journalists. Himachal Pradesh Police would help them with their coverage. We apologise for any inconvenience."
PM Modi will address a public meeting in Himachal's Bilaspur, as well as inaugurate an AIIMS facility. He will also take part in the Kullu Dussehra festivities.
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