CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on March 7

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the 48-hour ban  imposed on two Malayalam news channels, Asianet News and Media One,  by the information and broadcasting ministry. This drastic action by the Modi government is a direct assault on the media.

The reasons stated in the order cite criticism of the central government’s delay in acting, questioning the role of the RSS and alleged Delhi police inaction.

This makes it evident that this action has been taken by the government in an authoritarian effort to suppress news which is not to the liking of the ruling party.

The attempts to suppress the media is part of the overall effort to cover-up the culpability of the central government in tackling the communal violence in Delhi and to protect leaders of the ruling party who instigated violence.