Deve Gowda slams BJP govt over private media ban in Karnataka assembly

Amid the protest by a delegation of journalists against the Karnataka Speaker order banning private cameras inside the assembly, JD(S) national president Deve Gowda has opposed the ban. Speaking to news agency ANI on Friday, Deve Gowda said that he objects the banning of private media from telecasting the proceeding of Karnataka assembly live. The former Prime Minister added that such an attitude shows the intention of snatching freedom of media. The senior JD(U) leader expressed hope and trust in the BJP government to consider its decision. 

"As the National President JD(S), I make my objection on the Karnataka Speaker's decision for banning of national and regional private TV channels from telecasting the proceedings of the Karnataka Assembly live. This kind of attitude of the present govt shows that it is intentionally snatching the freedom of media going on for decades. We hope & trust that this govt will reconsider its decision," Deve Gowda said, as quoted by ANI.

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Media banned in Karnataka Assembly

As per an order by the Assembly secretariat, still cameras, mobile phones or tablets are also not allowed inside the assembly. In a recent order, it has been stated that the Karnataka Assembly proceedings will now only be shown through Doordarshan and not private news channels. Karnataka Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri has stated that starting from the winter session of the Karnataka assembly, output for the assembly proceedings will be shot and transmitted via satellite link by Doordarshan Kendra in Bengaluru.

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Opposition and journalists protest ban

This move by the BJP government has faced criticism from the Opposition Congress and JD(S) parties, along with a section of journalists, calling for upliftment of the ban. Newly appointed leader of the opposition in the state assembly and former chief minister Siddaramaiah condemned the decision. On Friday, journalists have staged protest at Maurya Circle in Bengaluru. They are demanding that the speaker should take back the decision.

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