Provocative Journalism: The Print Is Inciting Violence Against BJP Voters?

The Print is known for provocative journalism and headlines! However, its recent article penned by Nikhil Rampal takes the cake. The headline urges protesting farmers to confront BJP supporters at their homes. The controversial title raises concerns about inciting violence against voters of PM Modi or the BJP. Let’s discuss the provocative nature of the headline, journalistic responsibility, and its potential to disrupt the social harmony in Bharat.

The Print: A Poster Boy For Controversial Media Statements?

Respected Prime Minister of India @PMOIndia and Home Minister of India @HMOIndia

Nikhil Rampal @NikhilRampal1 has written an Article on The Print @ThePrintIndia where @NikhilRampal1 is asking Khalistani Terrorists to Attack BJP @BJP4India Voters

Cc: @NIA_India @DelhiPolice https://t.co/fWTK72UMmo

— Logical Indian (@logicalnn) February 16, 2024

There is no love lost between the BJP and The Print! The media house’s hate is increasingly evident in every article that it publishes. However, the title of the latest article by Nikhil Rampal drops the level of ethical writing to its lowest level. Please note, the article’s content is biased but not controversial. However, the choice of its headline, ‘Instead of gheraoing Delhi, Punjab farmers should visit those voting for BJP again & again‘, raises eyebrows across the literate world!

The headline is potentially inflammatory in nature.

It encourages violently rioting farmers to directly engage with BJP supporters and voters.

The headline risks promoting confrontational behavior that endangers the safety of the common man! Imagine if every rioter or protester takes them seriously to hound voters and questioning their democratic choice of vote! Is this how ‘The Print’ encourages constructive dialogue or peaceful protest in the nation?

The Print, Nikhil Rampal, who has written this article: 'Instead of gheraoing Delhi, Punjab farmers should visit those voting for BJP again & again'.

It is clearly visible in this post also that he is provoking the protesters, first deal with them, who vote for BJP. pic.twitter.com/or8HYG8Aqu

— Achintya Jambudvipa (@DIVYANS38841566) February 16, 2024

The media has a crucial role in shaping public opinion. It can influence political discourse of the nation. Therefore, journalistic responsibility extends beyond merely reporting facts. It should include upholding ethical standards, if not promote social cohesion. Controversial headlines that act as clickbait but also advocate aggressive targeting of voters are a form of unwanted Provocative Journalism! Dogwhistling against specific political affiliations on titles undermines the security of the common people of Bharat! Moreover, it exacerbates the existing divisions within society. Is this how this liberal-leftist media upholds the democratic principles of dialogue and tolerance?

Ethical Implications of Nikhil Rampal’s Article Title

Nikhil Rampal has written this article who studies Economics in Italy & is a full time propagandist at @ThePrintIndia office located on the 3rd Floor, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. https://t.co/jmKt8qXGPc pic.twitter.com/ozkXvREzFz

— Squint Neon (@TheSquind) February 16, 2024

Nikhil Rampal presented certain facts about voting dynamics in Bharat. His article states that farmers’ protests do not sway the common voters who choose BJP in elections. However, The Print turned this not-so-centrist viewpoint into a controversial piece. They chose a headline for the article that not only polarizes public opinion but also asks protesters to intrude into the lives of BJP supporters.

The Print’s title for Nikhil Rampal’s article is implicitly endorsing actions that target BJP’s supporters. Thus, it shows the larger agenda of this leftist media outlet. They want to court controversy by inadvertently fueling animosity among voter groups. Thereafter, they want to undermine the democratic rights of voters by having opponents hound each other’s private space. Additionally, they promote the potential for violence or harassment against BJP supporters. Such headlines and rhetorics raise serious ethical concerns about journalistic integrity and responsible reporting.

Damage Control By The Print

The headlines earned the media house significant flack on social media. Soon, The Print changed the headline of the article to ‘Punjab farmers’ fury doesn’t translate to voting choices. Look at UP, MP, Rajasthan‘. However, the damage was already done! The idea of ‘gheraoing’ BJP supporters is already in the air thanks to their provocative journalism. 

Our #50WordEdit on the MSP law demand pic.twitter.com/Z1YT8jBCKa

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) February 16, 2024

As a damage control measre, They came up with a follow-up analysis that proves the initial farm laws would have befited the farmers more than their current demands!

Moreover, their latest social media post encourages protesting farmers to ask their leaders why favorable farm laws were rejected in their last protest! The obvious see-saw attitude of this anti-BJP media house is a sure sign of biased reporting caught in action.

The upcoming 2024 general election has many worms climbing out of their hidy-holes. The Farmers’ Protest, the Manipur riots, the Haldwani violence, and other incidents seem to be cropping up to disrupt the nation’s peace. In such situations, media organizations need to exercise caution instead of provocations that pull in readers. Sensationalist headlines and provocative content that advocate for aggressive tactics against voters risk exacerbating tensions in Bharat. Moreover, they erode readers’ trust in the media as a credible source of information or knowledge. Thus, journalists and media professionals must uphold ethical standards.

"Farmers should gherao BJP voters" to "Farm Laws would have earned farmers more".

Damage control by The Print in 48hrs! pic.twitter.com/3foDkrgMa8

— The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) February 17, 2024

The Print and its friends should refrain from engaging in rhetoric that incites violence in society. Provocative journalism is the cheapest form of journalism! It comes at the cost of social harmony and peace. Fortunately, the netizens hold such media houses accountable for their harmful rhetoric or titles. If ‘The Print’ wants to avoid the future embarrassment of retracting an article or rephrasing its headlines, it should stick to honesty and simplicity! Else the fast-paced world of social media will drown all those who use the World Wide Web to engage in dogwhistling violence against the common Bharatiya!