he two local news channels who caught the three BJP MLAs watching porn inside the Karnataka assembly have come under the scanner for filming the incident.
Ironically this even before the tainted ministers are questioned.
The legislature committee set up to inquire into it has begun its probe not by questioning the MLAs but instead the journalists who caught the misstep on camera. During both Wednesday and Thursday’s hearings, editors of two channels were summoned for questions.
The committee wanted to know if it was correct to film the pictures of the phones in the assembly. If the Speaker’s permission had been taken? And that it was a breach of privilege.
Editor Suvarna News Hameed Palya said, “They asked me details about the telecast and I have given all answers.”
Interestingly, the 7-member committee which is headed by MLAs close to the Yeddyurappa camp has now been reduced to just 4, after 3 opposition members boycotted it. But their idea of shooting the messenger hasn’t gone without criticism.
Congress President G Parameshwara said, “The BJP is trying to bury the issue, they want to protect the MLAs. They won’t want to disqualify them.”
The local media too feels targeted. News Editor, Deccan Herald Chandan Nandy said, “In my view they’ve made a plan to restrict the media.”
The main question remains, who brought disrepute to the House? Was it the media or the MLAs?
——————ibnlive