After the press conference of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow, the name of female journalist Divya Srivastava has suddenly come into discussion on social media. The reason is his question, which he asked directly while leaving the press conference of the Chief Minister. After this, Divya has reportedly claimed to have faced online trolling, indecency and threats. The matter is no longer limited to just one journalist's question, but has turned into a debate about the freedom of the press and the right to ask questions to the government.
In the viral video, Divya Srivastava is seen questioning Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The gist of his question was that if the journalists' questions were not to be answered, then why was the press conference held? According to journalist Divya, the Chief Minister did not answer the question and left from there. After this he alleged that while leaving the venue, some people surrounded him and asked him from which channel he was a journalist and why did he question the Chief Minister like this? After which it is being said on social media that he has been fired from the job.
What happened after asking the question?
While talking to The Pioneer, Divya claimed that after the incident, a different narrative was started against her on social media. It was publicized about him that he was sent to ask questions to the Chief Minister at the behest of some political party. Divya rejected these allegations and called herself an independent journalist. He says that linking a journalist's question with his political support is an attempt to divert attention from the real issue. She also said that she started receiving threats and abuses on social media and after this whole controversy, she is feeling scared to even step out of the house.
Did Divya Srivastava lose her job?
This claim also went viral on social media that Divya Srivastava was expelled from her media organization after asking questions to the Chief Minister. However, Divya herself has denied this claim. In a statement given to The Pioneer, she said that she is still working with her news network. That is, the claim that the 'job has been lost' going on on social media has not been accepted by them.
How true is the claim of bulldozer threat?
The most serious claim in this entire controversy is related to the threat of bulldozing the house. Such allegations are being made quoting Divya in social media posts and some viral videos. But there is an important caution here. There is currently no information available on independent police confirmation or official action regarding the bulldozer threat and alleged threats. Therefore, it has not been written as a fact but as an allegation of Divya. Divya says that such things were told to her which scared her and her family.
Who is Divya Srivastava?
Divya Srivastava is a journalist and after the current controversy, discussion has started on her role in journalism. She has told that she has done Masters in Journalism from IGNOU and she is preparing for PhD. According to him, journalism is not just a job for him but a medium to ask questions to those in power and raise the voice of the common people.
However, there is currently little detailed, independently verified information on his personal and professional background available in public sources. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to consider the different information coming out on social media as a part of their profile.
The most emotional part of this entire incident is Divya's question, in which she is seen raising questions about her journalism studies and profession. He said that in the journalism he has read and understood, it is considered the journalist's right to ask questions to those in power. But if after any question the journalist is put into the political arena, then it raises questions on the basic objective of journalism.
His question is not limited to the alleged misbehavior with him. She also asks that if a journalist asks questions to the government, why is he immediately considered a supporter or opponent of any political party?
Claim and political narrative of being a BJP supporter
After the controversy, a claim also surfaced on social media that Divya was sent by Samajwadi Party or Congress to ask questions to the Chief Minister. This is a big aspect of this entire controversy. On one hand, the journalist says that he asked the question as part of normal journalism, on the other hand, efforts are being made on social media to link the same question to a political conspiracy. In such a situation this is the real question. Should a journalist's question be criticized on the basis of his question or on the basis of his alleged political identity?
Akhilesh Yadav also raised the issue
The matter even reached political circles. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav targeted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over this incident on social media and said that our amazing Chief Minister is the one who changes his name. They turned their faces and ran away, left the field and ran away. What will be the situation in the elections when the public will ask him questions? Female journalist Divya Srivastava said that asking questions to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a press conference is not a crime.
Whereas Congress leader C.P. Rai also claimed regarding Divya's case that action was taken against him and he was interrogated by LIU and he said that it is being said in the social that he has been fired from the job. He further said that no action should be taken against that girl and this is an attack on the fourth pillar of the country. The Congress leader further said that I condemn this on behalf of the Congress. After these political reactions the controversy became more political. However, the claims of political leaders should not be seen as final facts without official confirmation from the parties concerned.
Note- This news has been written on the basis of the video going on social media, Read Hindi does not confirm it.