Journalists not allowed to report truth: Sharad Yadav

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Janata Dal(U) leader Sharad Yadav on Wednesday said media organisations in the country are in the clutches of businessmen and "journalists are not free to report the truth".

Participating in a debate in the Rajay Sabha on electoral reforms, Yadav said journalists are having a difficult time as they are totally dependent on the mercy of the businessman who runs their organisation.

"The journalists cannot write the way they want to, and are being directed by their financiers," he said, adding that this trend is badly affecting democracy in Indian.

The JD(U) leader said businessmen have got hold of the Indian media to further their agenda and interests. "It should be checked and stopped."

He added that the reporter would be fired in case he wants to write the truth.

"It's not good for our democracy. Media is the fourth pillar of Indian democracy and it must be protected," Yadav said.

He also said that Majithia wage board recommendations for working journalists must be implemented in order to save them from exploitation.

Speaking about doubts on tampering of EVMs in the just-concluded elections in five states, the JD(U) leader said a probe could be conducted to clear the picture.

"Appoint a commission to probe the allegations. If there is a doubt in democracy, it has to be cleared," he said.

Sharad Yadav also expressed concern over the excessive use of money in elections, saying that people like him, who don't have much money to spend on polls, would not be able to contest any election in the near future.

"It's getting difficult with every passing day. A number of helicopters and airplanes are being used by political parties to transport their leaders from one place to the other. It makes it impossible for the common man to contest elections," he said.

He said the use of money must be regulated to save democracy.