Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s anti-media statements and actions came in for sharp criticism on Thursday from the Press Council of India, Editors Guild of India and the News Broadcasters Association.
In a statement, Press Council Chairperson Markandey Katju said Mr. Rao’s threat to “break the necks and bury the media” was “highly improper, highly objectionable and totally unacceptable in a democracy, particularly since it is coming from a person holding a high constitutional office.”
Referring to Mr. Rao’s charge against two Telugu channels – TV 9 and ABN Andhra Jyoti – that they had made derogatory remarks against some Telangana MLAs, Justice (retd.) Katju advised the media to desist from using such language.
He also took note of the fact that TV 9 had repeatedly apologised for using intemperate language and Andhra Jyoti had not even telecast such derogatory remarks. The Council also called upon the Chief Minister and Cable Operators Associations to withdraw the order to suspend the telecast of the two channels.
In a related statement, the Guild expressed concern over the recent spate of anti-media actions by Mr. Rao and his government, “reflecting an intolerance that is antithetical to the functioning of a democracy.”
