The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Monday strongly objected to Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu’s decision to bar four Telugu television news channels—Sakshi, TV9, NTV, and 10TV—from covering the budget session of the State Assembly.
In a statement, the YSRCP called the move unprecedented and undemocratic, accusing the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government, headed by N. Chandrababu Naidu, of acting vindictively against these four channels, which are perceived as pro-YSRCP and have been critical of the government’s performance.
The party stated that this is the first time in the state's history that media houses have been denied entry into the legislative proceedings, setting a dangerous precedent against press freedom and democratic values.
“This blatant attempt to suppress independent journalism is a direct assault on free speech and the public’s right to be informed. The coalition government, which claims to uphold democratic principles, has instead resorted to silencing critical voices and curbing transparency in governance,” the YSRCP said in its statement.
However, the YSRCP itself had taken a similar stance in the past.
During Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, the government imposed a ban on three news channels—ETV, ABN Andhra Jyothy, and TV5—claiming that they were aligned with the TDP.
In July 2019, then Assembly Speaker Tammineni Seetaram barred representatives of these three channels from entering the legislature building, citing "violation of established norms."
Legislature Secretary Balakrishnamacharyulu issued letters to the three channels, stating that providing live coverage from the media point while the session was ongoing was against established norms.
"As directed by the Speaker, representatives of your electronic media organization will not be permitted into the legislature building," the notice read.
