Party Cites World Press Freedom Index Calls Media Under Threat
May 3, 2026: On World Press Freedom Day, the Indian National Congress launched a sharp attack over the state of press freedom in India, highlighting the country’s rank of 157 in the World Press Freedom Index 2026. The party said the ranking places India in the “very serious” category and reflects growing concerns about media independence.
In a statement posted on social media, Congress expressed solidarity with journalists and voices that “speak truth to power,” alleging that the press is under increasing pressure. It emphasised that a free press is vital for democracy and warned that its weakening undermines democratic values.
Observed annually on May 3, World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation by UNESCO. The day traces its origins to the Windhoek Declaration, which called for independent and pluralistic media, and continues to serve as a global reminder of the importance of protecting press freedom.