Assam Minister Apologizes After Controversial Remarks on Journalist Spark Outrage

Assam's Public Health Engineering Minister, Jayanta Mallabaruah, has publicly apologized after his comments about a journalist led to widespread condemnation and protests from media organizations. Facing backlash, he clarified that his remarks were not intended to insult all journalists but acknowledged that his choice of words was inappropriate. The controversy erupted after he referred to a journalist in a derogatory manner during a press conference, prompting calls for a formal apology from various journalist associations. The situation escalated as protests were organized, demanding accountability from the minister. Mallabaruah's apology comes amid discussions with the Chief Minister regarding the incident.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 29, 2025, 13:12 IST

Minister's Apology Following Backlash

Guwahati, June 29: The Minister for Public Health Engineering and Housing & Urban Affairs in Assam, Jayanta Mallabaruah, has expressed his regret after his comments directed at a journalist led to significant backlash and protests from media groups throughout the state.

In response to the growing criticism, Mallabaruah took to social media on Sunday to clarify, stating, "I have not meant to insult any journalist. However, if my words have caused any distress, I sincerely apologize."

He emphasized his family's long-standing connection to journalism, noting that his father worked as a local correspondent for the well-known Assamese newspaper Dainik Asom for over two decades.

“My respect for journalists has been ingrained in me since childhood, and it remains strong,” he added.

The minister clarified that he did not intend to demean journalists as a whole but acknowledged that his phrasing was inappropriate and hurtful.

Mallabaruah explained that his comment was aimed at a specific journalist from a particular news channel, whom he accused of asking repetitive questions influenced by the channel's owner.

He further claimed that the chief editor of the news channel has initiated a campaign to damage his reputation over what he termed an “unintentional error.”

He called on the media and the public to watch the full video of the press conference to gain a complete understanding and requested that his comments not be misconstrued as a general attack on the media.

Prior to this, journalist associations, including the Gauhati Press Club, organized protests on Saturday, condemning the minister's remarks and demanding a formal apology. Several organizations have also threatened to boycott coverage of Mallabaruah until he issues an unconditional apology.

The controversy began during a press conference on Friday, where Mallabaruah, visibly frustrated, referred to a journalist as a “tolor srenir manuh,” which translates to “a person from the lower rung.”

This comment, which was recorded and shared widely, faced severe backlash for its perceived insult to the entire journalism community.

The Urban Affairs Minister's apology follows comments from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who stated he would encourage the minister to apologize if the remarks were indeed inappropriate.