The YSR Congress party, the main opposition in Andhra Pradesh has been protesting against denial of permission to anti-establishment television news channels like Sakshi, NTV, TV9 and 10TV to cover the ongoing budget session of the state legislative assembly.
Since the YSRCP MLAs are anyway not attending the session, the banning of these four channels hardly matter to the party. But in the state legislative council, the YSRCP is in majority and all its MLCs are attending the session. So, they badly need the coverage.
But to their utter shock, the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government is not telecasting the proceedings in the legislative council live, evoking strong protests from the YSRCP.
In a statement, the YSRCP said it appears the controversial Red Book regulations continue to shake the state legislature, with the government now expanding restrictions on media coverage.
“The ban, initially imposed on four media channels, including Sakshi, has been extended further. Live telecasts of the Legislative Council sessions have now been completely halted, and only government-friendly media outlets are being granted access,” the party said.
It pointed out that previously, on session days, live video links for both the assembly and legislative council proceedings were shared with all media organizations and the public through the state’s Information Department.
“Citizens could watch these sessions on their mobile phones or other internet-enabled devices. However, with the suspension of Legislative Council live broadcasts, the public is now denied direct access to these important proceedings,” the party said.
This is an unprecedented move in the history of the state's legislature. In addition to denying passes to journalists from certain media organizations, the government has now barred them from broadcasting the sessions altogether.
“No explanation has been given for this decision, nor has the government followed due process before imposing such restrictions. No complaints, inquiries, or prior notices were issued, raising concerns over a blatant disregard for democratic principles and natural justice,” the YSRCP said.
