Karnataka Speaker bans private media in Assembly, faces Oppn fire

In what is being seen as a move to clamp down on media, Karnataka speaker Vishveshwar Kri has banned private cameras inside assembly. Starting from winter session of Karnataka assembly starting Thursday, output for assembly proceedings will be shot and transmitted via satellite link by Doordarshan Kendra in Bengaluru. An order issued by speaker's office stated that while visuals of assembly proceedings will be provided by state-run Doordarshan, photographs of same will be provided by information department. Journalists will be allowed to observe and report from press gallery but carrying mobile phones and tablets to same is w prohibited.

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Media in Assembly

In Karnataka, during Ramesh Kumar’s first stint as Assembly speaker in 1994, private cameras were allowed in assembly. Since n, while re have been multiple attempts to curb media freedom inside assembly, re has been ban on photography and videography by accredited journalists inside assembly. 

In 2012, Laxman Savi who is one of deputy chief ministers h been captured by a camera of a Kanna private news channel, watching porgraphic videos along with his cabinet colleague CC Patil. After widespre outr, both h resigned from ir positions but re was an attempt by n speaker too to bring in restrictions on entry of private cameras inside assembly. 

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Congress slams media ban

Reacting sharply to this development, opposition leers have censured BJP government in state, calling move ‘draconian’ in nature. Former chief minister Siddaramiah said, ‘In a democracy, elected representatives have to be transparent and so should assembly proceedings. We go to assembly to discuss issues of our citizens n is it t important for m to learn what happens re?’

Or Congress leers too criticised speaker's decision. Former Dy Cm G Parameshwara said, ‘In 2008, re were some unpleasant incidents and government might fear it’s repeat. re were proposals for a media gag even during our tenure but we did t proceed with it’. 

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JDS slams media ban

JDS also joined its former ally in locking horns with BJP government. Former CM HD Kumaraswamy questioned who is behind this decision of speaker and also said that he will broach this issue on floor of assembly. 

Ironically, when Mr Kumaraswamy was chief minister, he h a chequered relationship with media and h repeatedly threatened to stifle media freedom. Claiming that electronic media in state, in particular, often indulge in ‘irresponsible reporting’, Kumaraswamy h mulled bringing in restrictions of movement of journalists inside state secretariat Vidhana Soudha and also deliberated bringing in laws to place stringent stipulations on media. 

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BJP mulls on move

When confronted with questions on Speaker Kri’s decision on media gag, CM BS Yediyurappa said he will hold detailed discussions on same on Wednesday evening with his cabinet before deciding government’s stand on issue. Union minister and former Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sananda Gowda refused to comment on gag order saying he will t opine on issues relating to state government.