BJP not in tune with Karnataka Govt.'s expected decision to ban private TV cameras inside assembly

Expressing its displeasure over reports that the Karnataka government is mulling a ban of private television channel cameras inside the state assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said the media plays a very important role in a democracy, and added that people of the country are entitled to know what their representatives are doing inside the legislative assembly or Parliament.

"Media plays a very important role in democracy. And I believe what the proceedings are going on inside the legislative assembly or the Parliament, the people of this country are entitled to know what their representatives are doing there," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.

"So, promotion of media should be done rather than to ban media from entering the assembly," he added.

According to reports, the Karnataka Government is expected to take a decision soon on not allowing private television cameras inside the assembly when the House is in session.

The reported move comes days after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah found himself in an embarrassing spot as video footage on TV channels showed him apparently dozing off during a debate in the assembly.