“Holding a Mobile Camera Does Not Make One a Journalist”: Minister Ratan Lal Nath Warns Media Over ‘Negative Questioning’ in Udaipur

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 1, 2026

Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday issued a strong warning to a section of journalists in Udaipur, urging them to refrain from what he described as negative questioning during official programmes. The remarks came during a public event at Gokulpur in Gomati district and led to a brief but tense verbal exchange between the Minister and a reporter.

The Minister had travelled to Gokulpur to inaugurate a newly developed flower garden as part of local beautification efforts. However, the programme drew attention for the absence of local MLA and Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, prompting questions from members of the press present at the venue.

According to eyewitnesses, a journalist asked why the local Minister was not present at an event held in his own constituency. The question appeared to irritate Nath, who responded sharply and cautioned the reporter against making negative comments under the guise of raising questions.

In an emotional reaction, Nath alleged that the query was aimed at creating misunderstandings and differences between him and Pranajit Singha Roy. He firmly stated that no effort by anyone, including media personnel, would succeed in driving a wedge between the two Ministers.

During the exchange, Nath made a pointed remark, saying, “Just holding a mobile camera does not make someone a journalist.” The statement has since sparked mixed reactions within media circles, with some viewing it as a criticism of unprofessional practices, while others have raised concerns over tone and freedom of questioning.

Later in the programme, the Minister adopted a conciliatory tone and acknowledged that the absence of Pranajit Singha Roy was due to a departmental oversight in issuing the invitation. He expressed regret for the lapse and clarified that there was no political discord between them.

The incident comes at a sensitive time in Tripura’s political and media landscape. Recently, a section of journalists staged statewide protests demanding the removal of Tipra Motha MLA Ranajit Debbarma and Tripura Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul over alleged unethical remarks made in the capital.

Against this backdrop, political observers are closely monitoring the evolving dynamics between the media and political representatives in the state.

Meanwhile, several senior and experienced journalists have informally expressed concern that the actions of a few inexperienced reporters,

allegedly driven by personal interests or unprofessional conduct, are at times placing the larger journalist community in uncomfortable confrontations with political and administrative authorities.

With the Minister having expressed regret over the invitation lapse, it remains to be seen whether the episode will subside or further intensify ongoing tensions between sections of the media and political leadership in Tripura.

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