Vidhana Soudha- the state assembly of Karnataka faces a media ban after HD Kumaraswamy issues orders to block the access of any media personnel during the regular functioning of the assembly. Citing the reason that constant frequent visits by the media affect work routines of ministers and other officials of the Secretariat as well as the functioning of the daily procedures, this step has been undertaken.
Orders for separate enclosures for media coverage has been made. The Chief Minister has asked the Director General Office to make separate enclosures for media outside the assembly building. The limitation also extends to journalists and media personnel visiting on a regular day-to-day basis. Restrictions are imposed preventing them to enter ‘corridors and other channels of the building.’
“Media persons are roaming everywhere, each one coming at a different time which is troubling everyone. Therefore, I have asked to give a dedicated spot for the media where they will receive all information,” said Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
Media persons who tried to enter the premises earlier today were stopped by the police and were told that ‘they had been given oral instructions’ to not let them in. Frequent questions by press personnel affected the state of mind of ministers and officials, thus affecting their work- it has been cited.
In response to the current order imposed BJP member Ravikumar stated that “Why is the Chief Minister scared of the media? Is it to hide whatever you are doing? It is correct to restrict media”.
The similar contradiction arose when HD Kumaraswamy had stated in his pre-poll campaign that he would ‘open the corridors of power to all people in the state without any security inhibitions’ if he is elected as CM.
The general opinion of the journalists in the city feels that such a restriction would result in ‘a one-way communication as the legislators would only come to the “dedicated spot” when they would want to respond and react.’