Press | ‘Experiment in Authoritarianism’ at Mumbai Press Club; Serious Allegation by Sunil Tambe

Mumbai | 3.5 | Rayat Samachar

(Press) Senior journalist Sunil Tambe has leveled a serious allegation that an ‘experiment in authoritarianism’ is currently underway at the Mumbai Press Club. Reacting on social media, he expressed strong displeasure over the Club’s functioning.

(Press) Tambe stated that he served on the Mumbai Press Club’s Managing Committee for three consecutive terms. During that period, he and his colleagues made significant efforts to secure housing for journalists. Prafull Markpar arranged a meeting between Gurbir Singh and then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Subsequently, a Press Enclave for journalists was established at Sion Koliwada.

(Press) The application process was conducted as per MHADA’s guidelines, though he clarified that the authority to scrutinize applications and determine eligibility rested with MHADA. Under the Urban Land Ceiling Act, journalists received limited benefit from the 10% flats obtained from builders, but MHADA’s schemes created a dedicated quota for journalists, resolving the housing issue, Tambe noted.

 He also highlighted his contribution to the construction of the Press Club building. A Development Committee was formed under Gurbir Singh’s leadership, with Tambe serving as its chairperson. A grant of ₹25 lakh was secured from the state government, and funds were raised from donors. Regular Special General Body Meetings were held to ensure all expenditures were approved transparently.

At that time, the Press Club hosted intellectual events such as public discussions, lectures, book launches, and interviews. A seminar featuring Bhalchandra Nemade and a book launch by Paranjoy Guha Thakurta were well-attended. Various initiatives were also carried out under office-bearers like Gurbir Singh, Kumar Ketkar, T.N. Raghunatha, and Prakash Akolkar.

However, commenting on the current situation, Tambe expressed regret that the Press Club now hosts only events like karaoke nights. He alleged that “just like the godi media, the Press Club too is witnessing an authoritarianism that imitates Narendra Modi’s style, backed by a group of ‘bhakts’.”

He concluded on a note of cautious hope, saying the Press Club is rapidly deteriorating and that he hopes the situation changes :”We cannot eat hopes, but they keep us alive; hence hope is the only strategy.”