Karnataka govt seeks to regulate media presence in Vidhana Soudha; BJP cries press freedom

BENGALURU: A fresh row has erupted at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru after the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) wrote to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), seeking to regulate the movement of media personnel within the legislature complex. In a communication dated January 9, 2026, DPAR directed that journalists be restricted to a designated area at the portico near the West Gate (Kengal Gate) to obtain reactions from political leaders.Citing security concerns, the letter stated that only authorised media personnel who have been issued ID cards by DIPR should be allowed at the designated spot. It instructed that reactions from the chief minister, deputy chief minister, ministers and legislators be taken only as they enter through the gate, and that media persons should not follow leaders to other parts of the building or premises for comments.The move drew sharp criticism from leader of opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayana Swamy, who termed it an attempt to curb press freedom. He alleged that recent security lapses, including a reported gold theft, were being used as a pretext to impose curbs, and said the decision was reminiscent of the Emergency era.However, sources in the state government clarified that the directive was meant to regulate the electronic media crowd which blocks the entrances and ease congestion, adding that the order will be reconsidered.