Pijush Hazarika Demands Apology from Congress MLA Abul Kalam for Insulting Journalist During Live Show

On July 19, Assam BJP Minister Pijush Hazarika strongly condemned Congress MLA Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam for verbally abusing senior journalist Rajdeep Bailung Baruah during a live televised talk show on a local news channel. Hazarika denounced the MLA’s conduct as deeply disrespectful and called it a “shameful act that deserves strong condemnation,” asserting that such behavior towards the media is unacceptable.

The controversy erupted during a live political discussion, where tensions reportedly escalated between MLA Alam, who represents the Goalpara East constituency, and the program’s moderator, Rajdeep Bailung Baruah. Eyewitnesses and news staff present at the studio confirmed that Alam used unparliamentary language and displayed rude and unprofessional behavior towards Baruah, who also serves as the senior anchor and news editor of the channel.

Reacting promptly, the channel took Alam off the program midway through the broadcast. Following his removal, Rajdeep Bailung Baruah made an on-air statement demanding a formal public apology from both the Congress party and the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President, Gaurav Gogoi. He warned that failing to do so would result in a complete ban on the participation of Congress leaders, including Rasheed Alam, in the channel’s future debates and panel discussions. “Respecting journalists is not optional,” Baruah said, adding that the channel stands firm in its decision unless the issue is addressed appropriately.

Minister Pijush Hazarika echoed similar sentiments, reiterating the BJP government’s unwavering support for press freedom and journalist safety. “Our government stands firmly against any attempt to intimidate or disrespect journalists,” he stated. Hazarika also demanded that Congress MLA Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam and his party issue an immediate public apology to Rajdeep Bailung Baruah and to the people of Assam.

As of now, there has been no official response or apology from MLA Rasheed Alam or the Indian National Congress. The silence from the Congress camp has drawn further criticism from media personnel and civil society groups, who have rallied in support of the journalist and called for accountability from public representatives.

Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam is a two-term Member of the Legislative Assembly from Goalpara East, elected on a Congress ticket in both the 2016 and 2021 state elections. Known for his vocal participation in assembly debates, Alam’s actions during the talk show have drawn significant public and media scrutiny.

The incident has reignited a broader conversation about political decorum and the treatment of journalists in India, especially in live broadcast environments. It has also highlighted the growing concerns about political intolerance and the need for stronger safeguards to ensure the freedom of the press and the dignity of journalists in democratic discourse.