BJP leader and Odia actor Arindam Roy addressed a press conference on Thursday amid the controversy surrounding his alleged remarks targeting journalists and media organisations. During media interaction held at the BJP office in Tangi locality of Cuttack district, Arindam clarified that his statements had been misunderstood and wrongly portrayed on social media platforms.

Also Read: Journalists file police complaint over Arindam Roy’s social media remarks

The controversy erupted after videos and comments allegedly linked to the BJP leader circulated online, triggering criticism from sections of journalists and social media users. Some accused him of making derogatory remarks against media professionals in pursuit of online views and attention.

Responding to the allegations, Arindam asserted that he had never made any statement against journalists or any media organisation. The actor claimed that his comments were deliberately exaggerated and taken out of context on social media platforms.

According to the BJP leader, certain individuals twisted his words and spread misleading narratives, resulting in trolling and criticism directed not only at him but also at his family members.

Arindam stated that his comments were aimed at people who were allegedly spreading false information and targeting him personally online. He also maintained that he respects journalists and the role of the media in a democratic system.

“Please don’t misunderstand and listen to that (the purported video) properly. I didn’t say anything to ‘journalist brothers’, nor did I say anything to the ‘media’. I said ‘some channels’. Those who sit at home, make their own reels, and call themselves mass media—I was referring to them. But the real journalists, the real mass media, those who are out in the field, who are out in the sun and rain, who go to different areas, gathering news—this statement was not for them,” the BJP leader said in the presser.

“It was for those who sit at home, put up an old photo, give a voiceover in the background, make a recording, and just keep saying things, sitting 100 or 500 kilometres away, without knowing or hearing anything, knowing about my family, knowing about my background, but talking about my parents. I said this to them. Those people who spoke about my family, my personality, and my background—I only said it to those who are doing such negative news just for a couple of views,” Arindam added.

The presser came a day after Arindam and another BJP leader, Abhaya Barik, visited the Tangi block office and met the local BDO regarding public grievances and regional issues. The leaders had submitted complaints related to various incidents in the area.

Officials assured them that the complaints would be examined and appropriate actions would be taken following an inquiry.

The clarification by Arindam has sparked fresh discussion in political and media circles, with many closely watching the developments surrounding the controversy and the reactions emerging on social media platforms.