Zamin Ryot (based on Hindustani words meaning "Landed Farmer", Telugu: జమీన్ రైతు, romanized: Jamīn Raitu) is a Telugu weekly newspaper.
![]() | |
Type | Weekly |
---|---|
Founder(s) | N. Venkatrama Naidu |
Language | Telugu |
City | Nellore, Andhra Pradesh |
Country | India |
Website | zaminryot |
The publication was started by Nellore Venkatrama Naidu as Zamindari Ryot (Landlord and Peasant), before changing its name to Zamin Ryot in 1930. Originally meant to advocate against the feudal system in the area,[1] it played an important role in reporting on the success of the Salt Satyagraha in Nellore district. The government searched Naidu's house in 1941, officially on the basis that it spread anti-war propaganda, and press restrictions during World War II lead to the paper being suspended voluntarily in late 1942. By 1993, it was identified as a mainly regional and pro-Congress publication.[2][3] For example. during the reign of N. T. Rama Rao as chief minister the publication often criticised and mocked him with "dripping sarcasm".[4]
In 2019, editor Dolendra Prasad was attacked by MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy of Nellore Rural district in retaliation for a negative story on him.[5] Prasad later expressed concerns that other attacks on journalists in Andhra Pradesh, inaction by the government on his attack, and a law passed by the cabinet allowing the government to sue media organisations for "distorted news" would lead to a chilling effect on journalism.[6]