Kharge, Rao draw flak for comments on mediamen

Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge and KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao, on Thursday, courted controversy for their comments on journalists on Thursday.

Kharge, who was speaking at an event, drew a comparison between terrorists and scribes. “Terrorists kill with one bullet, but journalists every day come up with something new...” Kharge said.

He later clarified, in a statement, that he did not mean to liken journalists to terrorists. “I was addressing journalism students and was trying to stress that they should side with truth and people. I have immense respect for the media and the work journalists do,” he said.

Rao lost his cool when camerapersons entered his chamber during a meeting without his knowledge.

“Nimge mana maryade yenadru idiya? (Do you have any shame?),” he yelled. Rao later clarified that he was taken aback when he saw cameras in his chamber while he was holding an internal party meeting. “I’d like to express regret if my comments caused any hurt. Politicians and media should always have a cordial relationship,” he said.