Modi`s DD interview row: MP CM takes jibe at Congress, says it gives no `elbow room` to Prasar Bharti

Zee Media Bureau New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday took a jibe at the Congress-led UPA government over editing Bharatiya Janata Party`s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi`s interview by Doordarshan, saying that it does not provide even an `elbow room` to Prasar Bharati. Hitting back at the Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari`s statement that government keeps Prasar Bharati at an "arm`s length", Chouhan tweeted on micro-blogging website Twitter - “The problem with Prasar Bharti is not Manish Tewari`s arm`s length. It is that he gives no elbow room to Prasar Bharti.”

The problem with Prasar Bharti is not Manish Tewari's arm's length. It is that he gives no elbow room to Prasar Bharti.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 4, 2014

The MP CM further tweeted, “Manish Tewari says he keeps Prasar Bharti at arm`s length. Oh really dear. Stretch the arm no further than the sleeve could hide it.”

Manish Tewari says he keeps Prasar Bharti at arm's length. Oh really dear. Stretch thy arm no further than thy sleeve will hide.— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 4, 2014

Yesterday, Tewari had said that the government maintains an "arm`s length" with Prasar Bharati and steps have been suggested by an expert committee for providing further autonomy to it. "...The autonomy of Prasar Bharti is guaranteed by an Act of Parliament. Prasar Bharati is a board-run organisation and the I&B Ministry has an arm`s length relationship with Prasar Bharati," Tewari said. The Union minister added that he had suggested to the Committee that the relationship between the government and the Prasar Bharati should be on the lines of the relationship the Finance Ministry has with the CAG. Tewari had also suggested that the budget of Prasar Bharati should be appropriated through the Consolidated Fund of India rather than being routed through the I&B Ministry. "...The Sam Pitroda Committee submitted its report in February, 2014 and it is under consideration of the government. Pitroda is an Adviser to the PM on public information infrastructure and innovation. Therefore, all concerns which have been raised with regard to professional autonomy, with regard to the relationship which I and B ministry has with Prasar Bharati stand squarely answered," Tewari said. A controversy has erupted after some portions of Modi`s interview to Doordarshan were edited.