Cong slams any move to curb pvt TV channels in Ktaka assembly

Congress today said any move to ban private TV networks from Karnataka legislature in the wake of the porngate scandal would be reflective of the "fascist" attitude of the BJP.

"If there is a knee-jerk reaction by the BJP...shooting the messenger rather than reading the message...it is not surprising as it is guiding principle of their conduct all through", party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters.

He alleged that from what the "candid camera" showed in the Tehelka scam to restriction on media in Karnataka, BJP is "completely consistent with its totalitarian, intolerant and fascist attitude".

Tewari was responding to questions regarding plans by the Karnataka legislature to resurrect an old proposal to launch its own TV channel against the backdrop of private channels airing the porn-watching episode involving three former ministers.

Karnataka Chief Minister Sadanand Gowda has, however, ruled out banning regional channels in both Houses after they showed ex-ministers Laxman Savadi, C C Patil and Krishna Palemar watching obscene video clippings in the assembly on February seven.

The three subsequently had to tender their resignations from ministry following public outrage.