Media Restrictions Stir Controversy in Karnataka

The BJP has criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for restricting where media interviews can take place inside Vidhana Soudha, calling it 'anti-democratic.' A government order mandates that media obtain statements at a designated spot, a move condemned by BJP leaders and seen as an attack on press freedom.

Amid escalating tensions, the BJP has accused the Karnataka Congress government of adopting an 'anti-democratic' stance by regulating media interviews within Vidhana Soudha. This controversy unfolded after an official directive limited media interactions to a specific area, inciting criticism from BJP stalwarts and sparking a discourse on press freedom.

The directive, issued by the Under Secretary to Government, CAAU (Executive), mandates that only accredited media representatives can conduct interviews at the designated West Gate location. BJP leaders, including state president B Y Vijayendra and opposition leader R. Ashoka, have harshly rebuked the move, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the order.

The BJP argues the decision masks governmental inefficiencies, citing fears of media exposure regarding recent scandals. Accusations of corruption and power misappropriation have flown in response to what BJP describes as a bid to muzzle media scrutiny, aired loudly on social media platforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)