News Flash Daily
19 February 
Kuruburu Shanthakumar Demands Karnataka Government Revoke Order Restricting Journalists’ Access to Vidhana Soudha
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government’s reported order restricting the entry of journalists and media personnel into Vidhana Soudha has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, with Kuruburu Shanthakumar, president of the Federation of State Farmers' Organisations, terming it a “repressive policy” that undermines democratic values.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Shanthakumar urged the state government to immediately withdraw the order, stating that preventing media access to the seat of power contradicts the principles of transparency and accountability.
‘Repressive Policy in a Democracy’
Shanthakumar alleged that barring journalists from entering Vidhana Soudha reflects a troubling trend of restricting press freedom.
“It is a repressive policy in a democracy that journalists and media persons are not allowed to enter the Vidhana Soudha. The ruling party, which opposed similar restrictions when it was in opposition, is now following the same path. It’s a shame,” he said.
He further stated that media access to government institutions is essential for ensuring public awareness and scrutiny of administrative decisions.
Political Contradictions Highlighted
The farmers’ leader pointed out what he described as political inconsistency, claiming that the current ruling party had earlier criticised similar measures when the previous government was in power. According to him, repeating the same approach now weakens democratic norms and erodes public trust.
The Federation of State Farmers' Organisations has demanded clarity from the state administration regarding the rationale behind the restrictions and called for a transparent review of the order.
Debate Over Press Freedom and Transparency
The issue has triggered broader debate over press freedom and access to public institutions. Observers note that Vidhana Soudha, as the administrative heart of Karnataka, symbolizes democratic governance, making media presence crucial for real-time reporting and accountability.
