Radio Kashmir is not making the right noise. Or that is what some political parties think. The broadcasting agency that rules the hearts and minds of thousands, has been accused of bias.

Questioning its credibility, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress have shot off a letter to the Union Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi and sought his intervention.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and state Youth Congress president M A Bhat claimed they were not satisfied with the coverage of Radio Kashmir’s current affairs programme Shahrbeen and have accused it of bias in its reporting. The broadcasting agency has, however, denied it, saying the move was personal vendetta of a former employee.

“It seems the officials concerned are allowing themselves to be influenced by personal likings and dislikes, which have very prominent political overtones,” the PDP president said in her letter to Dasmunsi . “It (Shahrbeen) very unabashedly targets the political parties that don’t fit into the priorities of the news managers.”

“It would be highly advisable to have the matters checked up and corrective measures taken,” the letter said. “I would urge you to kindly take urgent action in this regard.”

The Congress too has joined the PDP this time in voicing its concern.

“Unfortunately, the institution (Radio Kashmir) has now become a secret chamber for preparing concocted and self-thought stories, which create confusion, uncertainty and disappointment among the people,” the state Youth Congress president has written.

“The purpose behind this campaign is to tarnish the public image of coalition partners, the Congress in particular.”

... contd.