Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit courted controversy on Tuesday when he patted a woman journalist from THE WEEK, apparently to parry a question. The incident has sparked an outrage among the media fraternity with leading journalists and political leaders in Tamil Nadu coming down heavily on Purohit.
Around 200 journalists from all over the country have written to the governor demanding an apology for his conduct towards the journalist. The letter has been sent as an email to the governor.
“Your action today in touching the cheek of a senior lady reporter who asked you a question at the press meet was patronising at best and a violation of her rights as a woman at worst. She was there since you had called for a press meet and simply discharging her duty as a journalist,” the letter said.
Earlier M.K. Stalin, DMK working president, said, "It is not only unfortunate, but unbecoming of a person holding a constitutional post."
DMK leader Kanimozhi also lashed out at the governor saying he should understand that there is a decorum. "Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalist’s personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being," she said on Twitter.
Lakshmi said in her tweet "I asked TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit a question as his press conference was ending. He decided to patronisingly ? and without consent ? pat me on the cheek as a reply."
She further said it was unprofessional behaviour and completely uncalled for to touch a stranger without consent.