Overview
- Reporters in Bengaluru demonstrated at Vidhana Soudha on February 20 and submitted a representation to the chief minister’s media advisor, who said the circular would be reviewed.
- The January 9 DPAR directive instructs that interviews be taken only at a designated spot near the West Gate portico and bars following the chief minister, ministers and other dignitaries inside the complex.
- Access to the designated area is limited to journalists with DIPR-issued identity cards, and a copy of the order was sent to the police official in charge of Vidhana Soudha security.
- The government defends the restrictions as necessary for safety and to ease congestion from electronic-media crews.
- Opposition leaders from the BJP and JD(S) denounce the move as curbing press freedom, urge withdrawal, and link its timing to media reports on an alleged theft from Minister Byrathi Suresh’s office.