Guwahati, India: The Press Club of Assam (PCA) expressed annoyance over the latest development, where a State Minister allegedly made unwanted comments about Bhaona, a traditional performing art form. The Minister later clarified it, denying it with a strong message to sue the propagator. The PCA urges the concerned journalist to clarify his stand.
Many media bodies, including the Gauhati Press Club (GPC), have already condemned State Minister Ashok Singhal for his ‘irresponsible views’ on the traditional performing art form and now they remain silent after Singhal out-rightly refuted the accusation, stated a PCA release.
The controversy erupted following the recent social media post by a television journalist, associated with the news channel owned by the State government chief’s family. The scribe claimed that the Assam Health & Family Welfare minister disrespected a delegation from GPC, who went to invite Minister Singhal for a forthcoming Bhaona performance in the city. During the interactions, the minister allegedly questioned the necessity of a press club to organize a Bhaona, which is not secular in nature.
Soon, the issue went viral as many individuals, outfits, media outlets, opposition political leaders, and their sympathizers started making a hue and cry, demanding an apology from the minister. Some even termed him as a ‘non-Assamese’ who has no idea about the religious performing art form (Ankiya Bhaona), developed by the sixteenth- century Vaishnavite saint, scholar and philosopher Srimanta Sankardev and his prime disciple Madhavdev to enact plays primarily on mythological characters.
The excitement lasted for a short period, as CM Himanta Biswa Sarma commented that he did not believe his cabinet colleague made such an immature comment. It was followed by a formal clarification from Singhal, denying the allegation that he made derogatory remarks regarding Bhaona. In a social media post, Singhal stated that it was completely false and fabricated. Acknowledging that a group of scribes visited him to invite him for the cultural program, Singhal however expressed his annoyance that a fabricated story was generated and made public by a particular scribe.
“We are devoted followers of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, always embracing Gurujona’s creations with deep reverence. Needless to mention that Sankardev’s immense contributions and creations continue enriching the great Assamese society,” said Singhal, adding that the journalist involved with the episode should tender an apology to the people of Assam. Otherwise, he would be compelled to take legal actions, concluded the minister.
Many social media users questioned the GPC for inviting Singhal, as he is neither the State IPR or the cultural minister. Was it not done with the sole aim of getting some hefty donations from the minister (which somehow did not materialize !)? Otherwise, why would a minister make derogatory comments just to receive an invitation letter for any event, questioned a senior journalist while speaking publicly during his live presentations. The acclaimed television scribe even asked the GPC to apologize, hoping to resolve the matter soon.
“As the issue has seemingly gone out of proportion, the GPC should come out with a clarification so that the issue comes to an end. Otherwise, it will only help the anti-media elements in the society to launch another series of attacks on the journalist community,” said PCA president Kailash Sarma, working president Nava Thakuria and general secretary Hiren Ch Kalita. They also wished success for the Bhaona entitled Gandharir Abhishap, hosted by GPC in association with NEZCC, which is scheduled for 15 March 2025 at the Shilpagram premises.
