Mamata Banerjee Slams Parliamentary Media Restrictions as 'Autocracy'

Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee criticized the newly imposed restrictions on media within Parliament premises, labeling it an 'act of autocracy.' Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Derek O'Brien, stood in solidarity with journalists. Speaker Om Birla promised to address the grievances and improve conditions for media personnel.

Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee on Monday termed as an 'act of autocracy' the restrictions imposed on the media within Parliament premises.

Media persons have been recording comments from MPs near entry and exit points, but are now confined to a designated enclosure.

'It is an act of autocracy... The opposition should stand together against this dictatorial act,' Banerjee stated.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to lift the media restrictions.

Birla reminded Gandhi about the procedural rules of Parliament, suggesting that such issues should be discussed privately.

Gandhi, along with opposition leaders Derek O'Brien, Karti Chidambaram, and Priyanka Chaturvedi, met with journalists in the restricted area.

'This is censorship. This is completely unacceptable. We stand with you,' O'Brien declared.

The Lok Sabha Speaker later assured journalists their grievances would be addressed and better facilities provided.

(With inputs from agencies.)