When veteran journalist K Ramachandra Murthy created a sensation of sorts by resigning from the post of advisor to the Andhra Pradesh government on public policy recently, it surprised everybody in the media field.
In the present scenario, there is hardly any possibility of Murthy returning to journalism as the media industry is completely in doldrums owing to Coronavirus pandemic. No media house can afford to take him as an editor or director.
So, it surprised many as to why Murthy had quit the cosy government post that had cabinet rank and used to fetch him nearly Rs 3.6 lakh per month with all facilities. But he had taken a decision for reason for reasons known only to him.
People wondered what Murthy would do next after quitting such plum post. But he appears to be playing the role of political ideologue, rather than a journalist.
On Wednesday, Murthy sprang a surprise by taking up the cause of the Congress party. At a seminar organised by YS Rajasekhar Reddy Memorial Committee, he pitched for the Congress stating that it was the only party which could provide solution to all the problems plaguing the country.
Primarily targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party, Murthy said after Narendra Modi became the prime minister, he had gained control over all the democratic systems in the country.
“In an unprecedented manner, institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had come under the control of Modi and their autonomy had been completely destroyed,” he said.
Murthy said the Congress was the only alternative to the BJP and the party would regain its lost glory only if Rahul Gandhi takes reins.
“There is a dire need for bringing the Congress to power in the country to save democracy. The party has to focus on basic needs of the people like education, healthcare and drinking water supply,” he said.
The stand taken by Murthy now is quite contrary to the thinking of the YSR Congress party led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has utter contempt for Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. It remains to be seen how the YSRC leaders react to his views.
