From compliment to a supplement: Modi makes news

At first glance, it looks like a supplement from Gujarat Samachar itself, for part of the masthead is in similar font. In fact, the special was brought out by the state information department, which is said to have distributed over 12 lakh copies across Gujarat tapping into the Gujarat Samachar’s distribution network.

Ostensibly brought out to highlight the achievements of the Vibrant Gujarat fete, this ‘‘true news’’ supplement mocks the original, makes fun of its subscription offers, and lampoons its owner-editor and reporters.

The front page carries a message from Modi dwelling on the Rs 66,000 crore-worth of projects that investors have signed MoUs for.

A satirical column and a joke on page three make it clear— if the masthead did not— who is being targeted.

‘‘I couldn’t believe it when I saw it this morning,’’ said Shreyans Shah, owner and editor of Gujarat Samachar. ‘‘I’m shocked and surprised that the government can stoop to such a level. They have copied my masthead, used my network of vendors, all without my knowledge.’’

Shah did not comment on why the government has done this, but he should know. The supplement names the director of the information department as editor—the information portfolio is held by Modi himself. When asked about the supplement, additional director of information Dalpat Padhiar said: ‘‘It is meant to highlight the success of Vibrant Gujarat. It was distributed through proper channels. I have nothing more to say.’’ Although the director of information is named as the editor, V.S. Gadhvi, who holds the post, said he had no role to play.

Sources said the entire government machinery was on its toes last night to ensure ensure the copies were distributed — and with Gujarat Samachar. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner K R Kaushik denied any police involvement.

Some samples from Gujarat Satya Samachar:

• ‘‘Fair criticism of the government is dharma but baseless stories amount to yellow journalism and adharma.’’

• ‘‘One newspaper has taken the responsibility of undoing Vibrant Gujarat and is hell bent on maligning Vibrant Gujarat and not recognising its success. Just like an owl never sees the sun, Gumrah Samachar never sees the truth.’’

• ‘‘People are saying that if ‘they’ understand and mend their ways it is fine, otherwise Gujaratis are wise and know what to do.’’

• A joke has Fadaksinh, the owner of a newspaper, asking his chief reporter Chandu for the latest news. The chief reporter replies that whatever the seth decides is news.

• A column on page three satirises gift schemes to promote subscriptions. One character wonders if people buy newspapers for reading or for the free gifts like soap, tea bags, buckets.

The battle between Gujarat Samachar and Modi is not very old. During the post-Godhra riots, the paper stood by him. In fact, Modi wrote letters to the newspaper commending the work it had done.

However, after Modi’s election campaign, the paper began to criticise him. During the Vibrant Gujarat fete, Gujarat Samachar claimed the fete was a flop.