Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Oct 13: Former chief minister and opposition leader Siddaramaiah expressed his rage over prohibiting the camera persons and reporters of private TV channels from covering the proceeding of assembly session live and said, "The ban placed on the private TV channels is harmful for the democratic system."

Siddaramaiah, who partook in the discussion that was held on the budget of current fiscal, said, "Positive discussions should take place in the assembly in order to increase its stature. We do not know as to how many years we or you will be here. But the steps we have taken should be recorded in the files no? If the private TV channel cameras were there, the participants would be cautious during the emotional outbursts in the session."

"It seems that the chief minister did not give his consent for banning the TV cameras in the assembly. He had tweeted that he will discuss this matter with the Speaker. Later the tweet was deleted," said Siddaramaiah, taunting that all is not well within the ruling BJP.

Siddaramaiah further said, "The Speaker of the assembly might have taken this decision using his discretionary authority. In democracy, media is as important as the legislative. When I was the CM, we had thought of opening a government news channel. However, we dropped the idea later."

Responding to Siddaramaiah's views on banning the private TV personnel inside the assembly during the session, BJP minister J C Madhuswamy said, "It is not right to blame only the Speaker for this decision. This issue is being discussed in the assembly since many years. So we are all responsible for this."

Siddaramaiah did not agree with the argument put forward by Madhuswamy. In reply to Madhuswamy's opinion, Siddaramaiah said, "The opinion of opposition parties was not sought in this matter. According to my personal opinion, if the freedom of media is curtailed, it will severely affect the democratic system. The people of the state should be aware of what is happening within the assembly. The chief minister has to intervene on this issue."