Telangana Assembly decides to censure TV channel

The Telangana Assembly on Friday decided to pass a privilege motion against a TV channel (TV9) for its derogatory comments on Telangana MLAs in its satirical programme ''Bullet News.''

Members cutting across political affiliations supported Leader of the House and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who carried a CD of the programme and submitted it to the House in support of his argument that media belonging to Seemandhra businessmen were making fun of Telangana leaders.

“The channel ran a programme in which the language and pronunciation of Telangana MLAs taking oath at the Rajbhavan was ridiculed,” KCR said, seeking stern action on the channel. “You know what happens when you bring people fit to watch a movie in a touring talkies to a multiplex,” KCR said, quoting the anchor of the TV programme.

 “The programme further says that the Telangana legislators looked like, they had some stale toddy early in the morning,” KCR added.

He also criticised certain sections of the print media alleging them to be biased against Telangana. KCR then warned the media that he would opt for a Cable Act taking the cable industry under its wings like Tamil Nadu. Congress leader Jeevan Reddy also supported KCR’s proposal.

Channel apologises

Meanwhile, the said TV channel has apologised for its overtures in the Bullet News programme. The channel’s editor said that the channel has apologised and assured the House that such mistakes will never be repeated. However, the Assembly is yet to react to the apology.

In his address to the House on Governor’s thanks motion, the chief minister made it clear that his government is firm on waiving loans of farmers up to Rs 1 lakh without any riders. He said that more than 24 lakh farmers will benefit from the waiver.

 Reiterating his stand on political corruption, KCR said that his government will follow a zero tolerance mode and will not spare even if family members were involved in corrupt practices. He assured the House that the new state will become a power surplus state within three years.

“Meanwhile, we are in touch with states like Chhattisgarh to bridge the gap,”KCR added.