NEW DELHI, October 25, 2026: The Rashtriya Patrakar Mahasangha (RPM) has decided to explore an alternative venue in New Delhi for its proposed November 26 demonstration demanding central legislation to formally recognise the media as the Fourth Estate in Indian democracy.
The decision was taken at a special preparatory meeting of RPM held virtually through Google Meet on Sunday. The meeting was hosted by National Treasurer Mr. Dhiraj Kumar and presided over by RPM National President Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray.
The meeting extensively discussed preparations for celebrating National Press Day on November 16, 2026, at the state level, as well as organising a nationwide demonstration on Constitution Day, November 26, to intensify the demand for statutory recognition of the media as the Fourth Estate.
In view of the reported restrictions on holding protests and demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, members unanimously decided to identify a suitable alternative venue. Mr. Virendra Kumar Saini, RPM Delhi NCR President, was authorised to take necessary steps and make the required arrangements for the proposed demonstration.
The demonstration has been jointly organised since 2024 by the Rashtriya Patrakar Mahasangha (RPM), the Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers (IFSMN), and the National Media Confederation (NMC), New Delhi.
The participating organisations aim to draw the attention of the Government of India to the urgent need for comprehensive central legislation recognising the media as the Fourth Estate. The proposed demonstration will also highlight critical issues concerning journalists’ safety, security, welfare and professional rights, alongside the challenges confronting small and medium newspapers and magazines.
A comprehensive memorandum highlighting the demands of the media fraternity is proposed to be submitted to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and the President of India.
Among those who participated in the meeting were Mr. Satya Narayan Chaturvedi, National Spokesperson, RPM; Mr. Virendra Kumar Saini, Delhi NCR President; Mr. Biswanath Gupta, Bihar Unit President; Mr. Mehetab Khan Chand, National Convenor; Mr. Tahir Ahmad, Programme Coordinator; Mr. Santosh Yadu, Raipur Coordinator; Advocate Radhashyam Panda, Joint General Secretary, IFSMN; and Mr. P. Srinivas, Andhra Pradesh President, RPM. Several other office-bearers and members from different states also participated in the deliberations.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Priyabrata Nayak, who appreciated the active participation and commitment of all members towards achieving the organisation’s objectives.
Reiterating its commitment to strengthening unity among journalists, protecting media freedom, ensuring the welfare and security of media professionals, and safeguarding the interests of small and medium publications, RPM called upon the media fraternity across the country to unite in support of the demand for appropriate central legislation recognising the media as the Fourth Estate.
About the Author
