Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao strongly criticised two television news channels here today for allegedly "tarnishing" the image of Telangana people.
Since June 16, the transmission of TV channels ABN Andhra Jyothi and TV 9 were blocked by the Association of Telangana Multiple System Operators (cable TV operators), alleging that these channels had aired programmes "denigrating the Telangana dialect, sentiment and feelings" of the people of the newly carved out state.
"I salute multiple system operators who stopped transmission of the two television channels. If they (TV channels) do not mend their attitude, I will teach them a lesson," the Telangana Chief Minister said.
Earlier during the day, he garlanded the statue of Kaloji at Nakkalagutta where TV9 and ABN Channel staff waved placards demanding that the ban on their channels be lifted.
Later, the police arrested about 25 journalists and took them to Subedari police station. They were later released.
The Telangana Assembly had also passed a resolution earlier, authorising the Speaker to initiate any action as he deemed fit against TV9 for airing an alleged "objectionable programmes" and "belittling comments" about MLAs.
