Reservations should not be viewed from a poll angle: Prakash Javadekar

MUMBAI: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said the state government should not look at the long pending demand of reservations for Maratha community in Maharashtra from election point of view.

"Talks of reservation for the Marathas has been going on since many years in Maharashtra, but if decisions are taken keeping the (upcoming assembly) elections in mind, then the results of Lok Sabha elections are in front of us. Otherwise Food Security Bill would have been a game changer for them ( Congress)," Javadekar said while speaking to reporters here after visiting Doordarshan office here.

Javadekar was on his first visit to Mumbai after taking over the charge.

He said his only aim was to make Doordarshan the first choice of viewers and added talented artistes and workers would now be included in the organisation.

On being asked if a Congress leader will get a Leader of Opposition status, Javadekar said it is the prerogative of the Speaker.

"It is a decision to be taken by the Speaker. The government will not decide on the issue. Only the Speaker will decide," he said.

Asked about the BJP's plans to curb the menace of paid news, he said the present government would leave no stone unturned to stop it.

"I am very concerned about the menace of paid news. Candidates resort to paid news because there is a limit on the amount which they can spend. Earlier, they used to give advertisements and sponsored articles, but they cannot do so now. We want to do away with this menace once and for all," he said.

He also said while freedom of the press was necessary, it was the responsibility of the media to exercise caution while using this freedom.