Uttar Pradesh Journalist receives threats after questioning CM Adityanath at press conference

A journalist who questioned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at a press conference on Friday, said she has faced online threats, abuse and a campaign to portray her as politically backed.

Speaking to The Pioneer, journalist Divya Shrivastava said she asked questions during the press interaction, after which Yogi smiled and left. Divya said that while she was leaving, people identifying themselves as BJP supporters began shouting at her and allegedly behaved rudely, including questioning which channel she represented.

Divya said a separate narrative was being pushed on social media, alleging that she had been sent by the Samajwadi Party or the Congress. She denied these claims, calling herself an independent journalist and said the allegations were an attempt to create a false political narrative around her questions.

She also denied claims that she had been removed from her news network, saying she continues to work with it. Divya alleged that she has since received threats on social media and is now afraid to leave her home. She said her family is also worried, with relatives questioning whether she became a journalist to face such treatment.

Divya, who completed a master's in journalism from IGNOU and is preparing for a PhD, said the experience has made her question whether the spirit of journalism — the freedom to question those in power — is still alive in India.

She said the controversy has left her wondering whether her years of journalism education were “a waste of time”, while questioning the growing tendency to label journalists as “anti-media” or “godi media” depending on whom they question.