BJP criticizes KCR statements on media

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the statements of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao regarding the media.

Popularly known as 'KCR', Rao had earlier on Wednesday said, "Those who insult Telangana, its existence and prestige, will be buried ten feet under the earth," allegedly targeting the media.

GVL Narasimha Rao, national spokesperson of the BJP, said to ANI, "I think KCR wants the media to blackout any non-performance by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and himself. Under the guise of the sentiments of Telangana being hurt, he is trying to muzzle and browbeat the media into submission so that they do not cover any stories and they do not give out the truth about his non-performance."

Strongly condemning the statement by KCR, Rao further said, "I think this is an assault on the freedom of the media. Already a couple of Telugu news channels have been blacked out and it may just be a matter of time before he blocks English news channels and other vernacular media."

"He will have the same fate as all the other politicians, who have tried to cover up their mistakes by targeting the media," he added.

Meanwhile, N K Singh, general secretary of the Broadcast Editors' Association (BEA) said, "We will take every possible step to ensure that the freedom of the media is not jeopardised by any individual: political or otherwise, and that media freedom remains intact."

"Such statements coming from the political masters are very unfortunate. If he has grievances against the media, he has different forums to address them, for example, in the court of law. Threatening the media in a threatening manner is unacceptable," he added.

KCR's statement comes a day after Chennai Police Commissioner S George had allegedly issued an internal circular, asking officials to keep a tab on media houses to ensure there are no negative reports by the media in the city.