Nitish declines comment on Katju's remarks about press freedom

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday declined to comment on Press Council Chairman Justice Markandey Katju's statement that the press did not enjoy freedom in the state and was harassed if they wrote against the government.

"I am not required to offer any comment," Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of the 87th foundation day of the Patna Medical College Hospital in Patna.

However, Health Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, who was also present said, "Press enjoys full freedom in Bihar".

"We will congratulate Katjusaheb if he sees only the issue of freedom of press instead of finding out what is happening in Bihar and the steps taken by Nitish Kumar for development with justice in the state," he said.

After slamming Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan over attacks on journalists in the state, Katju had yesterday targeted the Bihar government alleging the media in the state was harassed if it wrote against the government.