India, Feb. 16 -- Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "attacking democracy" over alleged threats issued by the party's ST Morcha President to a journalist, and demanded strict action against the Zilla Parishad member involved in the controversy.

Sardesai said that instead of resorting to intimidation, the BJP leader should concentrate on ensuring the implementation of long-pending Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation benefits.

"The BJP must understand that threatening journalists is an assault on democracy and a direct attack on press freedom. The leader concerned should be working for ST reservation, not bullying the media," Sardesai said.

He further alleged that government machinery is ...