BJP downplays VK Singh's criticism of media

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday downplayed Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retd.) VK Singh's criticism of the media, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government at the Centre is the guardian of all the wings of democracy.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said Twitter is a personal platform and the meaning of the tweets can be best deciphered by the person, who has tweeted. "We, as the government firmly, believe that we are the guardians of democracy of India and as such our famous slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' for democracy, all wings of democracy be it the legislature, the executive, the judiciary or the fourth pillar of media. All are extremely essential for a healthy democracy in this country, Patra told the media here.

"And so, we firmly believe and I reiterate 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' for the common man of this country," he added.

General (Retd.) Singh had earlier on Tuesday stoked a new controversy with his criticism of the media and described it as 'presstitutes'.

The former army chief's remark was followed by his contentious statement that visiting the Pakistani High Commission was more exciting than conducting the rescue operations in Yemen.