AAP scurries to defend Kejriwal for controversial comment

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today defended its leader Arvind Kejriwal for his controversial comments on sending journalists to jail, stating he was referring to a section of the media which was running an "agenda" of BJP and its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

"Arvind Kejriwal has said that a section of the media was implementing the agenda of Modi and BJP. His comments were directed against them. His comments were against those who distort news and resort to paid news," senior party leader Sanjay Singh told a press conference.

Party spokesperson and former news channel editor Ashutosh, who was also present at the press conference, pointed out that a recent sting operation had shown that some of the agencies which conduct opinion polls before elections are willing to tweak their findings for money.

"No action has been taken against television channels and the opinion poll agencies yet," Ashutosh, who is contesting from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, said.

Interestingly, there were heated arguments between journalists and party leaders over the issue. Journalist Ashish Khetan, who is the party's candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, also attacked the media saying a section of them was only promoting Narendra Modi and did not write critical stories against Gujarat government and its chief minister.

The party also named four channels, who were "targeting" the party and said that it will approach the Election Commission over the issue.

"Some channels have been running a campaign against us. We will take up the issue with the Election Commission and give them relevant proof," Singh said.

Kejriwal kicked off a controversy by alleging the media is "sold" and "heavy amounts" have been paid to promote BJP's prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi. He later denied having made the accusation against the media after his remarks came under attack from the Congress, BJP and CPI.