New Delhi:
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram has strongly criticized the exclusion of women journalists from the press conference of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, held in New Delhi recently. Speaking on the issue, he described the incident as shocking and suggested that male journalists should have staged a walkout to protest the gender-based exclusion.
Chidambaram highlighted that press conferences involving foreign dignitaries are important forums for media interaction and scrutiny, and the absence of women reporters undermines the principles of equality and fairness in media coverage. He called on authorities to ensure that all journalists, irrespective of gender, have equal access to official events, especially in high-profile diplomatic settings.
The press conference became a subject of national debate after reports confirmed that no female journalists were present to ask questions or cover the event. Social media and news outlets widely circulated criticism regarding the lack of gender inclusivity. Chidambaram noted that such exclusions not only affect women reporters professionally but also send a wrong message about gender equality in public institutions and diplomatic interactions.
Political analysts observed that the incident has raised concerns about media coordination and protocol during diplomatic visits. Ensuring that women journalists are present and able to perform their duties is seen as critical for maintaining transparency, accountability, and equitable representation in news coverage.
Chidambaram emphasized that journalists play a key role in holding governments accountable and in informing the public about international relations. Excluding a segment of reporters based on gender could compromise both media freedom and the quality of reporting. He urged media organizations to take proactive measures, including refusing to participate in events that discriminate against women journalists.
The issue also attracted reactions from journalist associations, advocacy groups, and civil society organizations, which underscored the importance of gender equality in media access. Several calls were made for policy changes to prevent such exclusions in the future and for the implementation of mandatory inclusivity guidelines for press events involving high-ranking officials.
This incident involving Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s visit highlights broader challenges related to gender representation in Indian media coverage of political and diplomatic events. Analysts suggest that both government authorities and media organizations must work together to ensure that women reporters are not sidelined, and that professional standards of equality are upheld.
The Congress leader’s statement adds to ongoing national conversations about women’s participation in professional spaces and highlights the need for cultural and institutional reforms to support gender parity. Observers believe that such high-profile incidents will likely lead to renewed scrutiny of media access policies and public accountability regarding inclusivity.
