Sanatan Prabhat > Post Type > News > National News > “There is hardly any journalist who has not shared a drink with politicians” : Senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu

“There is hardly any journalist who has not shared a drink with politicians” : Senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu

Senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu defends liquor party hosted by Karnataka Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – A pre-budget liquor party recently organised for journalists by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has become a major topic of discussion in the State’s political circles and on social media. Commenting on the controversy, the Chief Minister’s former media adviser and senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu strongly defended such gatherings.

He claimed that a journalist who drinks alcohol and has never shared a drink with politicians, can hardly be called a journalist.”

Attending such gatherings is necessary for ‘inside’ information

According to Mattu, such interactions between politicians and journalists are not new; they have existed since the inception of both professions.

He said that press conferences usually provide only official statements, whereas the truth behind news stories and confidential information often surface during informal dinners and drinking sessions. “After consuming alcohol, people tend to become more emotional and candid. The memories and facts they reveal at such moments can be extremely valuable for a professional reporter. Such in-depth information cannot be gathered merely over tea or lemon juice,” Mattu said.

He further stated that this ‘culture’ did not begin with Siddaramaiah. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Devaraj Urs used to invite senior journalists for discussions over meals accompanied by expensive liquor. Mattu also recounted an anecdote about former Union Minister Ananth Kumar, who would organise liquor parties for journalists in Delhi while personally opting for lemon juice.

“No government funds used”

Mattu clarified that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not particularly fond of alcohol. During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, he reportedly did not drink. In recent years, however, he has become less inhibited and occasionally takes a small peg at such gatherings before interacting with attendees and leaving.

He also maintained that the expenses for such parties are not borne by the government treasury; rather, a minister usually pays for them. (The minister’s source of expenses for such parties needs no explanation to the public, it is an open secret– Editor)

“Photographing and circulating images of the party was irresponsible”

Mattu further stated that during his tenure he ensured that liquor bottles and glasses remained out of the camera’s view at such parties. Hosting a gathering for journalists by the Chief Minister is not a crime, he said; however, a journalist present at the event photographing those ‘behind the scenes’ moments and circulating them on social media may not be illegal, but it certainly does not reflect responsible or dignified conduct. Mattu expressed strong resentment over the incident.

Editorial Perspective

While the consumption of alcohol is a matter of personal choice, publicly defending such practices is inappropriate. Politicians often attempt to influence journalists by offering liquor and envelopes of money, thereby turning them into their mouthpieces. The public is aware of the nature of journalism practised by such individuals.

Latest Articles