Lok sabha polls: Sharad Yadav vents ire at media for favouring rivals

Lok Sabha polls 2014 — Facing a tough electoral battle in Madhepura, JD(U) President Sharad Yadav on Saturday criticised the media for allegedly giving more space to a rival party.

Madhepura: Facing a tough electoral battle in Madhepura, JD(U) President Sharad Yadav on Saturday criticised the media for allegedly giving more space to a rival party.

Talking to reporters at his residence, Yadav said he would raise his voice in the Lok Sabha to end the contract system in print and electronic media for journalists who would become regular employees so that "they do not dance to dictates of bosses many of whom are non-journalists". Yadav`s anger was apparently directed at full page advertisements in newspapers in favour of BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. "Only journalists shall become editors and have a say in news content in print and electronic media so that they can do justice and not get lured by advertisements," he said. The JD(U) President said he would also make a strong case in Parliament for establishment of a central university of journalism and training colleges for journalists. "Only journalists acquiring certificates from these colleges and university shall be recruited by print and electronic media so that they can do justice with news coverage," he said. Yadav seeking a fifth term from the Madhepura Lok Sabha seat is facing tough fight from RJD Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav and BJP`s Vijay Singh. The seat will go to the polls on April 30.