VHR condemns KCR’s speech against media

Hyderabad, Sept 11 (INN): Rajya Sabha MP V Hanumantha Rao strongly condemned the reported speech of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao wherein he threatened to take physical action against the media professionals.

Speaking to media persons at Gandhi Bhavan here, VHR described the Chief Minister’s speech as direct attack on the freedom of media and an attempt to intimate the journalists working in Telangana State. He said it was strange that KCR made these remarks while addressing a meeting connected with freedom fighter Kalogi Narayana Rao, who wrote several articles and poems, against the Nizam and Razakars. He said that the last Nizam also took action against the Rayyat newspaper which published Narayan Rao’s articles and revolutionary poems. However, he said even Nizam did not ban any media organisation on permanent basis.

Demanding lifting of ban on two Telugu news channels in Telangana, VHR said that the Chief Minister has been trying to give an impression that the decision to stop the telecast was taken by the MSOs. He alleged that KCR was directly responsible for blackout of two Telugu channels and asked him to take steps to restore the telecast.

Praising the role played by media during Telangana agitation, the Congress MP also appealed the media professionals to act responsibly in reporting the incidents. He said media played a crucial role in Telangana formation by promptly reporting the suicide of youth and others seeking statehood for Telangana region. Therefore, he said that the media deserves better treatment in the new State.

TPCC Spokesperson B Kamalakar Rao and former MLA M Kondada Reddy were also present.