"I will not address media henceforth": Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy snubs journalists

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has stirred a massive controversy with his recent statement. Addressing an event, Kumaraswamy in reference to his recent controversies, indirectly snubbed journalists and lashed out at the media.

"I will henceforth avoid speaking directly to the media. I will only speak on stage. I've taken a call not to address the press from now on. Let them follow or leave. I've decided to float a committee comprising of journalists to advise me on what to speak. I'll speak according to your wish. I'm up for taking suggestions from them," said the Karnataka Chief Minister.

Barely six months after assuming charge of the state, Kumaraswamy has faced severe criticism for his statements. Starting from his 'Mercy of Congress and not the people' comment to 'Swallowing poison of coalition government' and the latest 'goonda' remark. The chief minister has been repeatedly facing flak for his statements.

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Furthermore, this is not the first time that Kumaraswamy has targeted the media. Earlier, the government had imposed restrictions on the movement of media in the Vidhan Soudha citing disturbance to their work. In a short span of time, the controversies have only multiplied.

The BJP have also slammed the chief minister for his controversial comment. "It is unfortunate that Kumaraswamy has said this about media. As the chief minister of the state he should be open to criticism from the media and opposition. But his recent remark has highlighted his authoritarian mindset. Also, Kumaraswamy was media friendly prior to joining hands with the Congress. But he's been forced tow the line and follow the emergency mindset of the Congress party."- S Prakash, Spokesperson, BJP

The JD(S) on the other hand said the chief minister's statement has been misinterpreted. "Recently, the chief minister's statement was quoted wrongly by the media. This led to a lot of confusion and chaos. CM Kumaraswamy intends to avoid such misinterpretations and thats the reason he made this statement."

Parallelly, Kumaraswamy's controversies have given more ammunition to the opposition to take him on. With over 4 years and six months to go for his term to end, the road ahead seems to be difficult for Kumaraswamy.

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