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June 29, 2025 – India –
Assam’s Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah ignited widespread controversy when he referred to a Guwahati-based journalist as a “tolor shrenir manush” — literally a “lower-class person” — during a press conference at the Gauhati Press Club. The remark came amid questioning about alleged misuse of state dairy promotion funds related to his private dairy farm housing Gir cows.
The statement immediately triggered condemnation from journalist associations across Assam. Both the Media Association of Assam and the Guwahati Press Club denounced it as “insulting,” “undignified,” and “unconstitutional,” urging Baruah to retract his words and boycott him until a formal apology was made. Journalists adopted black badges in protest and demanded assurance that such abuses of power would not recur.
At the center of the controversy, Baruah defended himself by claiming the comment was directed at a specific individual amid “persistent and seemingly motivated” questions, not meant to disparage the journalism profession. He also alleged a senior editor was leveraging the incident to tarnish his reputation.
On June 29, Baruah issued a public apology via social media, stating that his words were uttered in “a moment of frustration” and that he has “deep respect for journalists,” pointing out his familial ties to the profession—his father served as a correspondent for Dainik Asom for 22 years. He expressed regret that the broader journalist community was hurt by his remarks.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intervened the day prior, expressing regret on Baruah’s behalf and pledging that the minister would apologize if his comments were indeed inappropriate. Sarma also acknowledged moral responsibility and emphasized that journalists should not face disrespect.
This episode highlights simmering tensions in Assam’s media–politician dynamic, reflecting growing intolerance toward probing questions on public accountability and governance. While Baruah eventually apologized, the incident prompted introspection within the state government regarding respectful public discourse and the treatment of journalists.
Reference –
Assam Minister issues apology amid outrage over remarks against journalist
