The incident occurred during a rally in Amravati where Gandhi was addressing a crowd as part of the Congress party’s campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. In his address, he took aim at the media, accusing certain journalists of being overly sympathetic to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a moment of frustration, Gandhi used the term "slaves" to describe journalists who, according to him, fail to hold the government accountable. This phrase quickly drew sharp criticism for its derogatory implications, with many arguing that it undermined the press's independence and professionalism.
The Mumbai Press Club condemned the remark, expressing concern over the increasing trend of political leaders labeling journalists with pejorative terms. The organization emphasized the importance of a free and fair press, warning that such comments could have a chilling effect on journalistic freedoms. The Press Club also reminded leaders that while criticism of the media is a part of political discourse, using language that diminishes the credibility of journalists is harmful to democratic dialogue.
Political analysts have noted that Gandhi's choice of words was particularly provocative given the volatile nature of media-politician relations in India. While political leaders routinely criticize the press for biased reporting or sensationalism, the use of terms like "slave" adds a layer of personal insult that goes beyond traditional criticism. This is not the first time Gandhi has been at the center of controversy for his remarks about the media. Earlier, he had accused journalists of being "BJP workers" in an attempt to question their neutrality and independence. This further fueled the backlash against him, with many seeing it as an attack on the press.
Opponents of Gandhi have seized on this opportunity to accuse him of disrespecting the media and trying to stifle dissent. Several BJP leaders have expressed their dismay, calling Gandhi’s words reckless and unbecoming of a national leader. Union Minister Smriti Irani, for instance, tweeted condemning the remark, accusing Gandhi of undermining the role of journalists who work to keep the public informed. Similarly, Maharashtra's ruling Shiv Sena faction criticized Gandhi for his failure to respect journalists and their contributions to democracy.
Despite the backlash, some of Gandhi's supporters have come to his defense, arguing that his comments were aimed at exposing the cozy relationship between certain sections of the media and the BJP government. They contend that his remarks were meant to highlight the lack of critical reporting on issues such as economic mismanagement and human rights violations under the current administration. These supporters point to Gandhi's history of challenging what he sees as an establishment press that fails to hold the ruling party accountable.
However, this defense has failed to sway many who believe that even if Gandhi was making a point about media bias, the manner in which he expressed his criticism was inappropriate. The term "slave" is considered by many to be a highly inflammatory word, and critics argue that using such language does little to further constructive debate on media freedom and accountability.