Tanvir Sadiq highlights bias in newspaper ad distribution

Jammu, Mar 18: National Conference (NC) MLA from Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq Tuesday obliquely hinted at arm-twisting methods to browbeat media as he wondered why three well-reputed newspapers, including Greater Kashmir, were deprived of advertisements during the past four years in J&K.

He also sought to know the details of the staggering Rs 14.90 crore expended on the chartered flights during the past few years.

Questioning the criterion adopted (by the previous regime) in distributing advertisements to daily newspapers of repute, Sadiq said that Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Reader, and Kashmir Times – three widely read newspapers were provided zero advertisements during the past few years.

He was participating in the demand for grants for the departments under the charge of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in the Legislative Assembly.

“When one talks of advertisements, one will be surprised to note that during the past four years, advertisements were issued to various newspapers. I will not talk about others but there are a couple of leading newspapers which are well-reputed in J&K as they give space to everyone and act as the voice of people. Among them Greater Kashmir is important besides Kashmir Reader and Kashmir Times,” he said.

“Shockingly, they have been allocated zero advertisements during the last four years. Why has it happened? I wonder what the criterion is. Are they not covering the news? If yes, then why have they not been given advertisements? However, advertisements were generously doled out to those who were close to them (dispensation). This creates suspicion in minds,” Sadiq said while bringing it to the notice of the CM and questioning the criteria for issuing advertisements to the newspapers.

Later, talking to media outside the House on this issue, Sadiq wondered if this was a conspiracy that Greater Kashmir was allocated zero advertisements.

“Was it a conspiracy? Greater Kashmir, which is such a leading newspaper, has been ignored. We will wait for the CM to talk about this issue during his reply,” he said.

Notably, besides Tanvir Sadiq, another NC MLA from Tangmarg, Farooq Ahmed Shah, while participating in the debate, also batted for a rational criterion to distribute advertisements among the newspapers.

MLA Zadibal also referred to another point of concern.

“Another shocking revelation relates to chartered flights. BJP members used to boast about ‘austerity measures’ taken before the popular government came to power. One would be shocked to know that Rs 14.90 crore were expended on chartered flights. Why? Only God knows it! Probably we will have to ask the media about it. This huge sum has been spent on whose chartered flights – who were they? It is astonishing whether Hollywood actors were brought in here in chartered flights… BJP people will have to answer it one day. I know nothing about it. I am stating it based on replies to cut motions,” Sadiq said taking a dig at the opposition benches.

Earlier, initiating with a popular Urdu couplet, ‘Manzil Unhi Ko Milati Hai Jinke Sapno Mein Jaan Hoti Hai; Paron Sey Kuchh Nahin Hota, Hausalon Sey Udaan Hoti Hai…’, Tanvir reiterated the issue of rationalisation of reservation so as not to undermine merit.

In this context, he also read out a letter written to him by a young girl asserting that none was against reservation.

“Assertion is on only one thing that the merit should not be disregarded. Talent and dedication should be given a fair chance and should not be overshadowed by policy and disregard for merit,” the NC MLA said delineating the crux of the young aspirant’s letter.

In the same breath, he expressed hope that in the final report of the cabinet sub-committee, constituted by the Chief Minister, all the stakeholders would get their rightful due, in consonance with the National Conference’s tradition to disseminate justice to all.

Advocating for restoration of Khushalsar, Anchar, Gilsar, Nigeen, Mir Behri Dal, and other famed water bodies of Srinagar, Zadibal and other areas of Kashmir, Sadiq pointed out that during the last four years, Rs 39,560 crore were released for conservation of lakes and Rs 16,980 crore were already expended on it.

“A white elephant has been created there (in the name of preservation). Priority is to preserve Dal Lake, however, in the internal Dal area, all its channels are blocked. It will turn Dal Lake, Khushalsar and Gilsar into a cesspool. Hope the CM will look into it and undo the damage caused to the water bodies in the past 4 to 5 years,” the NC MLA said and suggested that every house in the vicinity should be given an STP each.

He described the rehabilitation plan for Dal dwellers, who were shifted to Rakh-e-Arth as a “big failure.”

Sadiq suggested that the government should devise eco-friendly houses for the Dal dwellers.

Mentioning religious tourism, he sought dedicated funds for the preservation of shrines in Srinagar mainly Dargah Hazratbal, Mir Shamas Din Iraqi, Makhdoom Sahab, and Jenab Sahab Soura besides other shrines.

“Those at the helm of affairs at the Waqf Board have simply no idea how to run these shrines. I don’t know how you (CM) can change the scenario for good but please look into it,” he said.

Sadiq demanded amnesty for electricity consumers facing inflated bills.

While talking about Constituency Development Fund (CDF) guidelines, he suggested the constitution of a House Committee to prepare guidelines to facilitate MLAs to serve people’s cause.

The NC MLA also demanded CDF enhancement to Rs 5 crore.

Picking holes in the execution of “Smart City” projects, he said, “No smart city can be envisioned without an effective drainage system.”