Bengaluru, Feb 18 (NationPress) The BJP has criticized the Congress-led government in Karnataka for its recent decision to limit the movement of journalists within the State Legislature complex, known as Vidhana Soudha, labeling the action as an imposition of an emergency in the state.

R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly, expressed his concerns on Wednesday in Bengaluru, stating, "This is an emergency situation in Karnataka. In a bid to conceal its failures, blunders, and corruption, the Congress administration has once again showcased its anti-democratic and authoritarian nature by restricting the media."

Ashoka further questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying, "In the red Constitution book that your supreme leader Rahul Gandhi carries around and displays everywhere, is there no provision for freedom of the press? Or are you afraid that more irregularities will be uncovered, such as the recent theft involving lakhs of rupees worth of gold and cash from the office of your close aide and Minister Byrathi Suresh, which the media exposed?"

Ashoka emphasized, "Vidhana Soudha is not the property of the Congress party; it is the people's House, a power center belonging to seven crore Kannadigas. No one has the right to restrict media personnel from accessing it."

He demanded, "This unconstitutional order mandating that journalists conduct interviews only at a designated location within Vidhana Soudha must be revoked immediately. I call upon the state government to grant full freedom to the media—the fourth pillar of democracy—to perform their duties without interference."

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra reiterated the party's strong condemnation of the Congress government for imposing restrictions on media access inside Vidhana Soudha.

In a conversation with reporters, Vijayendra claimed that the public already perceives the Congress government as incompetent, and this latest decision only reinforces that belief.

“I cannot comprehend why such decisions are made. During the Belagavi session, the government introduced legislation related to hate speech. Observing closely, each choice made by this government seems to undermine democracy. This is certainly not right,” he stated.

He urged the government to promptly retract the decision. “We cannot accept any restrictions placed on the media. This is an anti-democratic action,” he reiterated.

Vijayendra also accused the government of failing to address instances where the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad' was raised. He stated that even when such slogans were voiced inside Vidhana Soudha, the government claimed there was no evidence, criticizing the Congress administration for neglecting to act against what he described as anti-national elements.

The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) instructed that journalists conduct interviews with legislators and seek their responses only at a designated location, specifically at the portico near the West Gate of Vidhana Soudha.

The order additionally specifies that the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, ministers, and other dignitaries should not be pursued within the premises for comments.

A letter dispatched by the DPAR Secretary to the Director of the Information and Public Relations Department instructed officials to ensure compliance by all media personnel.

The government has defended its decision, stating it is necessary for safety and security.