A written complaint on blocking select Telugu TV news channels by ruling TDP circles was made to TRAI by YSRCP MP, but no action was taken. ThenDelhi High Court was approached, and its order ultimately provided interim relief. “The news channels were removed from at least 62 lakh (set-top) boxes, denying the right to information by the audience, ” said a report, citing the .. It was all done through oral instructions by powers that be. Thus autocratic ways entered under the new TDP regime, even as it was yet to be sworn in.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA coalition under Chandrababu Naidu, clashed with,and defeated the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP)led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. YSRCP polled almost 40% vote, higher than BJP vote in India or in UP. The four channels blocked, TDP (falsely) alleged , were favorable to YSRCP, as if it justifies their illegal, autocratic action.
The four Telugu news channels are part of the mainstream media.They are popular, pro-Establishment, by no means fringe or yellow media, with millions of viewership. As per some reports, they cover more than 60 percent of Telugu viewers. TV 9 and NTV had long, rare, face-to-face interviews with PM Modi, who was desperately trying to make a mark in Telugu states, particularly AP.
Most of the Telugu channels operate from their headquarters in Hyderabad, capital city of Telangana(TG), though the two states were bifurcated ten years ago, in 2014. But even the media operating from Hyderabad were visibly silent about this blackout in AP, the Telugu state that is inseparable, particularly in relation to media, newspapers, and cinema, Telugu being the mother tongue of over 100 million people living in these two states.
The Delhi High Court ordered about 15 cable operators to restore, immediately,the broadcasting of the four Telugu news channels – TV9 Telugu, Saakshi TV, 10TV, and NTV – that were taken off air in Andhra Pradesh (AP) from June 6, reported newslaundry.com, 24 Jun, 2024.
The single-judge bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna passed the order in a plea by TV9, which called the blocking illegal and violative of the rules laid down by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The Delhi High Court order itself was poorly reported, if at all, in small print, somewhere in the inside pages of the print media.
Strangely, and notably, the news – of the ban as well as of the restoration of four Telugu news channels – was not reported by the mainstream media, neither the electronic nor the print media; not even by those channels that were the victims! That by itself is news, and reflects how the media is working in India, though presently we deal with only AP. This report seeks to look into this news and the phenomenon that smacks of fascist tendencies that are not confined to the Sangh parivar, as is presented by many, including genuine democrats.
Sakshi is owned and operated by YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and currently runs under the chairpersonship of Jagan’s wife YS Bharathi Reddy. NTV is owned by Rachana Television Private Limited (RTPL), which belongs to Narendra Chowdhury while Alanda Media is owned by the My Home Group’s chairman Jupally Rameshwar Rao, who also has a majority stake in TV9 Telugu (TNM,30 Jun 2024).
Though blocked soon after the election results on June 4, the ban came to general public’s notice, only through a section of the media, that too only after June 24, and that thanks to a court order.
The four channels were taken off-air “two days after the TDP came into power” in AP, said another report, rather inaccurately : Election results came by June 4 evening, but TDP ministry with Chandra Babu Naidu (CBN) as Chief Minister, was formally sworn in on June 12, in the presence of PM Modi, in a grand event. The judgment came on June 24, full 18 days after the defacto ban on the four channels.
(Mark all the dates in this news story, as they are telling.)
Major section of the media ignored the news of the blackout, or defacto bans. Most of those who reported it were underplaying it. One pro-TDP channel reported, ten days after the court order,that “due to the undeclared ban”, viewership, TRP ranking, came down very much. That continues to be so. It is part of the undeclared Emergency prevailing in India.
Five days after blocking the channels, on June 11, S. Niranjan Reddy, a Rajya Sabha member and member of the YSR Congress Party, wrote to the chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regarding the ban on the channels. He said this was a violation under the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations and how this impacted press freedom and the public’s right to information.
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Only interim relief.. until TDSAT decides the case
It was submitted by TV9 Telugu that the the defacto ban “caused significant reputational and financial loss to the petitioner and deprived its subscribers the access to the channel during a critical period. Hence, the petitioner sought immediate restoration of the channel.” (it was soon after the election results, with significant political developments). … that the blocking of the channel, especially at a time when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu was being sworn in on June 12, “greatly undermined the reputation of the channel in the eyes of its viewers.”
TV9 Telugu had argued before the Delhi High Court that no prior notice was given to them before blocking their channel. The same point was brought up by YSRCP Rajya Sabha member Niranjan Reddy, who wrote to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Niranjan Reddy argued that compliance with TRAI’s regulation 17 should be ensured.
Regulation 17 says that no service provider shall disconnect the signals of television channels without giving at least three weeks’ notice, clearly specifying the reasons for the proposed disconnection.
The High Court in the above context of the case noted, “Learned Senior Counsel further submits that 62 lacs, out of 65 lacs of set-top boxes, have been switched off for the channels of the petitioner. This is despite the fact that ‘TV9 Telugu’ channel is the top News Channel in Andhra Pradesh. Thus, it is submitted that respondent no.2 has acted contrary to the Regulations of the TRAI.”
It is curious that it was the Delhi High court that was involved, and not the High Court of AP, nor of Telangana, where (in Hyderabad) all the media have their headquarters. Is it because of political influences in these courts? Some reasoning was given by both sides, as can be seen below.
It was submitted by TV9 that since Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was not functioning in the vacations and there was no Vacation Bench in the said Tribunal to hear and decide the subject matter, the petitioner approached the High Court via petitions.
The gagging was sought to be reduced into a “commercial dispute”
Though it was TDP that was mainly behind ban, it “managed” the Union through its NDA ally BJP:
“ The counsel for the Union of India contended before the Court that the writ petition was not maintainable as TDSAT is the authority where the petitioner ought to have filed the petitions and that the Centre was made a party solely for the purpose of bringing the petitions within the jurisdiction of the High Court. It was further argued that the writ petitions involved private commercial dispute between the petitioner and respondent wherein one party is in Andhra Pradesh and the other in Telangana.”
The gagging was sought to be reduced into a “commercial dispute”.If it were so, why three other channels were also gagged? How is it that they all were deemed by TDP as politically inimical to itself, a false allegation? Even if it they were anti-TDP, how can they be gagged? Fortunately, the Court did not oblige the TDP-BJP lobby.
A Single Bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna, providing relief, ordered: “… the petitioner has already filed petitions before TDSAT and has approached this Court only in the interregnum, since there is no Vacation Bench in the TDSAT. … Accordingly, it is directed that in terms of the submission made on behalf of respondent no. 2, the transmission of the television channel, i.e., ‘TV9 Telugu’ shall continue uninterruptedly and unhindered on the same position, as existing prior to 06th June, 2024.”
(Associated Broadcasting Company Private Limited v. Union of India & Anr. (Neutral Citation: 2024:DHC:4774), reported by verdictum.in,1 July 2024.
The online web magazine TNM, 30 Jun 2024 reported:
“But this is only temporary relief. The channels will have to approach the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) after the tribunal’s vacation ends in June.”
“ The blocking of news channels does two things: it affects the channel’s revenue and also hinders checks and balances on the party in power.”
A top official at Sakshi TV told TNM they are under immense pressure from advertisers who have already paid for their advertisements. If Sakshi remains off the air, advertisers may even withdraw their campaigns affecting the channel’s chances of sustaining themselves.
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Ignored by local media but resented by media bodies outside
International organisations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have raised concerns regarding the attack on these three channels.
The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) lauded the Court decision, calling it a “landmark order addressing the unilateral and illegal blackout of news channels in AP….that “reinforces the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and expression, which are cornerstones of our democratic society”.
In a statement, the NBF said, “The High Court’s intervention underscores the importance of maintaining an open and transparent media environment, essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy… This ruling will set a precedent for upholding press freedom and protecting journalists’ rights across India.”
The IFJ declared: “The IFJ is extremely concerned about the deteriorating situation of freedom of expression and free media in India. It condemns cable operators banning channels and requests the Provincial Government of Andhra Pradesh to resolve this issue and get the channels back on air as soon as possible. Also, in the future, ensure that cable operators are unable to disrupt the transmission of channels as this is a breach of their freedom of expression and free media.”
The IFJ, International Federation of Journalists, established in 1926, is the world’s largest organisation of journalists, represents 600,000 media professionals from 187 trade unions and associations in more than 140 countries.
In a statement, CPJ India Representative Kunal Majumder said they were disturbed by the blocking of the channels.
“It is crucial for the new Andhra Pradesh government to uphold the principles of a free and independent press to ensure that all broadcasters, regardless of how critical they may be, can operate without interference or censorship,” he added. (TNM, 30 Jun 2024 )
The media blackout was only one part of the TDP’s violent offensive, as shown below.
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The shut-down was political, sheer vendetta by winners, who went on a rampage..
When questioned about the blackout, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister N Lokesh Naidu, however, told The Indian Express, “Neither TDP nor any NDA leaders in the state have given any instructions to anyone to block any news channels. We have more important work to do than these frivolous things.” Apparently, Express was not convinced:
‘Under TDP govt in Andhra, cable TV operators take four channels off the air,” headlined the indianexpress.com, weeks later on June 23, 2024, a day before the court order. An executive from one of the four channels, who did not wish to be named, told The Indian Express that all four channels have gone blank since Friday night. “The cable TV operators say they have been told to take them off air but they will not tell who gave the orders.’’
“This is the second time since the N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government returned to power that these four channels have gone off the air. The first time, they were taken off air for a day on June 6. The state government, however, said that no instructions have been given to cable TV operators”.
Ground realities exposed claims by Lokesh. Even assuming they were not responsible, the blackout itself was not a frivolous thing, and the government had a responsibility to stop that. The media blackout was part of an unabated campaign of vendetta against those who voted YSRCP that polled almost 40% vote; most of them belonged to poorer classes, including dalits.
Lokesh is son of CM Naidu, and was appointed as the General Secretary of TDP. He is the political successor of Naidu. But people do not takes his assertions as true; his own party men admitted the fact, some openly than others:
TDP MLA from Puthalapattu Assembly constituency Kalikiri Murali Mohan, a former journalist and former head of Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists, told The Indian Express : “I am not aware of any TDP leaders or government issuing orders to cable operators to block any TV channel. If there is any such thing, I will bring it to the notice of the government,’’ he said.
Guntur-based MSO (Multi-System Operators) Association President P Sai Babu declined to comment on the issue. A Guntur-based TDP leader said cable operators just do what the people want. “These channels were targeting CBN (Chandrababu Naidu) even after a landslide victory. People don’t like that,’’ he said.
I Balaji, a cable TV operator from Vijayawada, claimed that many subscribers asked them to block the four channels since some of their content was allegedly opposite to the truth (that was not favorable to TDP and NDA). When asked if there was political pressure to block the channels, he said, “You know how it works.”
A local multi-system operator (cable TV service provider) from the Godavari region, who did not want to be identified told PTI on Sunday (June 23)confirmed: “Yes, these four channels were blocked..The management does not consult us,” .
Many people however said the channels remained blocked for weeks in most of the areas.
The four channels are, however, available on direct-to-home (DTH) platforms, some said. In AP, Multi-System Operators or cable TV accounts for nearly 50 per cent of all subscribers. The balance 50 per cent have DTH services. Sources in the industry said news channels TV9, NTV and Sakshi command nearly 60 per cent viewership, and they were blocked.
Among the major Telugu news channels of AP, only a few were available unhindered. Many of them are seen by people as partisans and mouth-pieces of TDP: ETV (founded by media baron Ch Ramoji Rao, of Eenadu, leading Telugu newspaper is deemed as a god-father to TDP since the party was founded in 1982-83). Then as to ABN Andhra Jyothi, and TV5,YSRCP blamed them as yellow media, TDP flag being in that color. Observers point out that 8 out of 10 TV channels are owned and controlled by Kammas, a most enterprising and influential community, which backed TDP, seen as a party controlled by them.
It needs no guessing who was behind the illegal blockage. People are aware Sakshi, newspaper and TV, is controlled by YSRCP. But the other three channels – TV9, NTV,and 10TV – are not pro-YSRCP; the complaint may be that they gave equal coverage to YSRCP, which TDP detested.
TNM called it a ‘media war’, which only reflected the political war and caste rivalries. After the results, it turned into a one-sided offensive backed by those in power.
Not all people agree with TDP. After all, 40 percent voters voted YSRCP led by Jagan, in the highly polarized and bitter contest, marked by violence against the poor, who overwhelmingly voted YSRCP.
Intelligence reports of pre-poll days warned of tensions and likelihood of violence, particularly in some pockets, before and after polling, and even after results are declared. They proved to be true.
While India had its election to the Loksabha, AP had simultaneous elections to the State Assembly also. In fact, it was a NDA government led by TDP, and included the BJP as a junior partner. The Jana Sena Party (JSP), led by Film star Pawan Kalyan is the other partner of the pre-poll alliance. The new government has ministers from all the three parties.
In AP the BJP contesting on its own in 2019 had polled less than one percent of polled vote, among the lowest in India. It is thanks to AP, which contributed 21 crucial Loksabha seats to NDA, that Modi is now the PM again in 2024. That is apart from Bihar allies led by JDU’s Nitish Kumar. AP NDA’s 21 out of 25 Loksabha seats were won by TDP 16, BJP 3, and Jana Sena 2.
While Sakshi belongs to YSRCP, the other three are criticised by TDP supporters for being in favour of the YSRCP when it comes to their news coverage. The TV9 did a series favorably on YSRCP’s welfare schemes. That can be no reason to gag them; the fact is they did not block or distort YSRCP news as desired by TDP.
exchange4media.com, Jun 25, 2024 reported:
“ The blackout of several news channels was since June 6, 2024..There were reports of political pressure being brought upon all the cable operators to black out these news channels due to the change in political leadership in AP.
Ironically, all this took place immediately after results (on June 4) that led to a bad defeat of an “autocratic” YSRCP led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, though it polled 40% vote.
In the June 11 letter to the TRAI that is also marked to the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, I&B secretary and (the yet-to-be-sworn) Andhra CM, Niranjan Reddy (Rajya Sabha Member) said the Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators’ Association has “under the pressure and directions” of the newly-formed TDP government sought “to permanently block TV9, NTV, 10TV and Sakshi TV”. “Such interference causes a chilling effect on the freedom of the press.”
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Poll violence, using even petrol bombs and arson, continued even a month after results were declared, and in the presence of police
Poll violence in AP, including burning properties and vehicles, that began a week before polling on May 13, continued unabated..even a month after results were declared on June 4. It was by both sides to begin with, but soon became one-sided TDP gaining the upper hand, blessed by the support from the Central administration led by BJP. Media blackout was only one part of the TDP offensive.
In fact, party chief Chandra Babu Naidu convinced TDP leaders who were reluctant on an alliance with BJP, which had less than one percent vote in 2019 election, on this point: Such an alliance would facilitate support of a pliant Election Commission, of the central administration, particularly its police and enforcement agencies.He proved right and that was one factor that helped TDP-led alliance to win the election.
Poll violence got aggravated for at least four weeks after the results were out. TDP ranks drunk with victory went berserk, indulged in violence that was, targeting those who did not vote them.
“ Violence reminiscent of the turbulent 1980s and 1990s has marked polling day and its aftermath in Andhra Pradesh amid a backdrop of unpredictable voter sentiment,” said a report (theprint.in, May 19), days after polling was over on May 13. A series of major incidents of violence was reported especially from Palnadu, Ananthapuramu and Tirupati districts. Palnadu in coastal Andhra and some parts of Rayalaseema are politically sensitive areas infamous for poll-time violence in the past too.
“ Violent crowds resorted to stick fights, stone-throwing, and even petrol bombs and crude weaponry, like sickles, axes and hammers, resulting in bloodshed. ..The conflict escalated to the burning of vehicles — bikes, cars, jeeps — and damage to property, including party offices and houses, causing widespread fear and forcing businesses to close…the police, outnumbered and overwhelmed, struggled to manage the chaos, with some officers sustaining injuries. They had to resort to lathi charges and tear gas to bring the situation under control in other places.
“ Following an outcry, and in an unprecedented move, the EC summoned Chief Secretary (CS) Jawahar Reddy and Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Gupta to New Delhi May 16 Thursday, “to personally explain reasons for the failure of administration in containing post-poll violence.”
The constituencies of Macherla, Gurazala, and Tadipatri were particularly hard-hit, leading to the imposition of Section 144 and house arrests of a few legislators and candidates to maintain order. Hundreds of offenders, including over 90 supporters of the TDP and the YSRCP in Tadipatri, were arrested and sent to remand. A police flag march was conducted in Tadipatri Friday evening, indicating the prevailing tension in the Rayalaseema town.
Based on its assessment of negligence and lack of supervision in violence-hit districts, the EC, among other actions, ordered the suspension of the superintendents of police (SPs) for Palnadu and Ananthapuramu — Garikapati Bindu Madhav and Amit Bardar, respectively. It also transferred Palnadu district collector Siva Sankar Lotheti and SP Tirupati Krishnakanth Patel, and ordered a departmental inquiry into all these officials.The EC also ordered the suspension of 12 subordinate police officers, including deputy SPs and inspectors, in these three districts.
Based on the EC’s orders, DGP Gupta Friday night constituted a special investigation team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vineet Brij Lal to review the investigation into violent offences that occurred since May 13 Monday and update the FIRs with additional appropriate IPC sections and other relevant statutory provisions. The SIT was to submit its action taken report in each of the cases within two days, according to the 16 May EC order.
The above report shows the scale and intensity of violence for the period up to the day of polling on May13. The same continued in a more aggravated form and more unilaterally after the results came on June 4. TDP, and Janasena cadres in a few areas, went berserk, even as the police winked.
The changes in police department, including those mentioned above, were tailor-made to suit and serve TDP and NDA. They were further honed after the results. In fact, BJP chief of AP unit, Purandesawri Daggupati (daughter oflate NTR), close relative of Naidu, prepared a detailed list of the police officers, IPS and IAS cadres that needed to be shunted and replaced. Home Minister Amit Shah issued orders that came in with immediate effect.
Five days after the results, PTI Jun 09, 2024, reported:
“ Besides leaving a trail of violence at a number of places, the fiercely fought simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in AP has shaken up a string of political families resulting in discord and estrangement.”
“ Another fallout was violence at many places that went to the extent of even ordinary people, who owed allegiance to TDP and YSRCP leaders assaulting each other in a number of places. Palnadu, Tirupati and Anantapur districts became notorious for such attacks.
“ Despite authorities promising protection to YSRCP supporters in the wake of alleged attacks by Janasena and TDP cadres, violent incidents have not abated.”
(economictimes.indiatimes.com, Jun 09, 2024)
Hundreds of families that stood by YSRCP, particularly those of poor, SC and minority communities, were targeted, attacked, beat up, and hounded out of their villages.
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YSRCP complains to Centre, to NHRC, but to no avail
YSR Congress Party MP Y.V. Subba Reddy on June13, almost 10 days after the results, told the media at Visakhapatnam, the party sent representations to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the National Human Rights Commission. He said the party had complained to the Governor but since no action was taken, it approached Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Such factual reports, including this one, were suppressed by most of the Telugu media that is controlled by those close to TDP leaders, and their families.
Subba Reddy said he had also filed a petition in the High Court seeking directions to check the violence against YSRCP leaders and their property.(The Court intervened, as shown below.) He said since the police “were not taking any action” against those indulging in violence, he sought directions to the Union Home Ministry, the state government, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police to take strong measures to put an end to the attacks.
The petitioner has requested the High Court to direct the police to immediately register FIRs on complaints about the attacks and take strong measures as per law. He also sought orders to constitute a Special Investigation Team to probe the incidents of violence.
Subba Reddy, in his petition, also pleaded for directions to provide protection to the victims and their family members.
Meanwhile, YSRCP parliamentary party leader V. Vijayasai Reddy alleged that the unleashing of violence by ‘TDP goons’ on YSRCP sympathisers shows the breakdown of law and order in the state. He demanded strict action against those clearly seen in the videos of the violent incidents (submitted to all the above authorities).
In its representations to the President, the Prime Minister and others, the YDRCP alleged that several individuals were killed during the post-election violence by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena. It claimed that there was extensive damage to private property including homes and businesses due to arson and vandalism.
The opposition party said the attacks heightened fear and tension among residents in affected areas, disrupting daily life and community stability. The YSRCP, along with its representations, attached photographs of violent incidents in Tirupati, Mangalagiri, Guntur, Eluru, Anakapalli, Nellore, Nandyal, and other places.
(IANS, June 13. Few agencies, except Sakshi that belonged to YSRCP, carried the news.)
The above incidents are well-known to local people, aired by sakshi TV, but blacked out by pro-TDP media (media observers say 8 out of 10 outlets) that dominates the Telugu states.
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The AP High Court intervened on illegal demolitions of YSRCP offices
That is one month after the results, as violence went unabated. The TDP picked up UP CM Adityanath’s ways of deploying bulldozers and JCBs, to demolish buildings that belonged to YSRCP leaders and cadres, and YSRCP offices in various districts, ostensibly on the plea that they were “illegal”, or they lacked “proper permissions”.
The AP High Court on July 4, “directed the State government to exercise its power to demolish the Opposition party’s offices only if their construction is against public interest and cause public nuisance, among other reasons. The High Court asked the YSRC to submit its explanations, if any, enclosing all the necessary documents in support of their claims within two weeks to the authorities concerned, “ reported newindianexpress.com, July 5.
“The State government had served notices on office buildings of the YSRC at various places and also demolished the under construction building of the party’s State headquarters at Tadepalli, stating that it was unauthorised. Subsequently, the YSRC filed a batch of petitions in the High Court, seeking orders to the State government to refrain from demolishing the party’s offices.”
“After hearing arguments on both sides, the court disposed off the petitions and ordered the government to abide by the law while taking any action. The court observed that the sites were allotted to the party for construction of the office buildings at various places of the State, as per the State government’s policy.”
Further, the court observed that the possession of land was given, property taxes for the open lands were paid, in some cases building permit orders were also issued, in a few cases the permission applications have to be submitted and in most of the cases the construction of the buildings were almost completed.
“It is also not the case of the respondents (municipal administration department) that they have ever visited the buildings earlier at the time of constructions and objected for the same on the ground of deviations, if any, except issuing notices after a long gap of time,” the court said. Issuing the orders, Justice B Krishna Mohan directed the authorities to proceed with the notices following due procedure in accordance with law. If the deviations are minor, minimal or trivial, or do not affect public at large the respondent authorities shall not resort to demolition,’’ he said.
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When YSRCP led by Jagan was in power…
An executive from one TV channel said “the previous government also did the same thing. Then they paid the price.” In May 2021, Telugu news channels TV5 and ABN Andhra Jyothi, considered to be pro-TDP, were similarly taken off air by the same cable TV operators allegedly under pressure from the YSRCP government.
The Jagan-led YSRCP was accused by the TDP of attacking Ramoji Rao-owned Eenadu, Andhra Jyothi and TV5 by threatening them with defamation cases. YSRCP alleged, not without basis, that the three media Houses were spreading lies, brazenly distorted Assembly proceedings and government decisions.
The tension escalated during the 2019 Budget session when the channels were prevented from telecasting from the Legislative Assembly. The Jagan government also initiated criminal proceedings after another company owned by the Eenadu group.
In August 2023, the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) registered 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) against Margadarsi Chit Fund Private Limited (MCFPL), under varied sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Ramoji Rao who owned them showed that as an attack on Eenadu media: Undavilli Arun Kumar, former MP who is not with YSRCP, but who fought against Margadarsi irregularities, rightly pointed it out. He went upto the Supreme Court on related matters, and some irregularities,and violation of
Jagan’s government has often accused the Eenadu Group of biased and false reporting and sensationalism, claiming they had close ties with TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu. Jagan often refers to Eenadu and Andhra Jyothi as “yellow media,” a play on the colour of TDP, implying they spread propaganda for the party. The animosity dates back to Jagan’s father, YS Rajashekhara Reddy, a two-time CM of AP, who too often called them “yellow papers.”
In 2007, YSR empowered the Special Information Commissioner to sue journalists and media houses for “false, baseless, defamatory news.” In October 2019, Jagan, as CM, expanded this order, giving bureaucrats heading all departments the power to file cases against print, electronic, and social media. But there were no blackouts soon after victory.
In January 2024, Haseena Shaik, an associate editor with TV9 Telugu was harassed by TDP’s social media wing after she interviewed YSRCP leader Kodali Nani. “There is a general feeling among TDP supporters that TV9 Telugu does not grant proper coverage to their party, because of which they are targeting me,” she told TNM on January 18, 2024.
Normally ruling parties are known to ‘manage’ media, courts and judges. But TDP’s was a very strong lobby, even while in Opposition, not only in the media but also in courts. They could obtain “a few hundred” orders (including in contempt of court cases), unusually, against the YSRCP government, which alleged bias on the part of a few judges. The YSRCP government sent a written complaint to the Supreme Court, even naming some judges, whose family members allegedly were beneficiaries. ( A few judges were shifted out,’for administrative reasons’. There were protests, that went on for weeks, against such transfers by pro-TDP lawyers.
The TDP and its media are arguing that YSRCP suppressed media and democracy. That is no answer, more so because they claimed they restored democracy suppressed during the rakshasa palana by the ‘demon’ Jagan.Why should they emulate the demon?
One can see that it (May 2021 episode) was two years after YSRCP came to power in 2019, with almost 50% vote, the first time in AP for any party. The channels were not blocked, but they had indeed some curbs. Ads were denied to them.
They are emulating UP BJP CM Adityanath, and his bulldozer raj. An ardent supporter of TDP, Radha Krishna, owner and editor of ABN Andhra Jyothi, in his latest weekly column (July 7), cited the activities, named a couple of them, and cautioned: A TDP MLA, K Srinivasa Rao of Tiruvuru, personally led a demolition operation; he said only officials should do that.
Fascist tendencies are growing across India, and beyond BJP.
Congress fascism was ‘secular,’ applied ‘secularly’; it was notorious for all their past deeds, as in Kashmir and North-east(tens of thousands of civilians were killed, and ‘disappeared’), and vulnerable in particular for Emergency 1975-77, ‘pre-censorship’ of media, and anti-Sikh riots. Indira Gandhi apologized, we are told, in a public rally in 1978 January for “excesses” of Emergency, which itself was a crime against people.. But Congress was silent about it; they could have countered Modi with that in the parliament, but did not. Modi and BJP exploited the same: In the very first Loksabha session after polls, Modi could rally a few INDIA members to support a Resolution on the Emergency.
Congress has not come clean on its past, and is silent on present issues.They are silent on UAPA and such other Black Acts; see their Manifesto. They are only harping on the Constitution which provides for Constitutional autocracy, including Emergency, preventive detention (basis of UAPA, and all such Black laws), Article 356 etc. It won’t do.
There are fascists all around: To name only a few, Jayalalitha regime earlier, Yadav CMs and their (Ranvir, Yadav Lorik etc) Senas that butchered rural poor in hundreds…Shiv Sena with Marathi and Hindu chauvinism (they were active in Babri Masjid demolition) and Mamata Banerjee of Bengal…and KCR as CM of Telangana (he shut down, through cable operators, TV 9 and ABN for a few months, and closed down even a formal dharna chowk ; there were a few ‘encounter deaths’ etc ) …All these leaders were notorious for their fascist ways.
BJP’s ‘brahminical fascism’ harassed dalits , minorities etc, and it needs to be fought…Modi-led BJP is somewhat checked in the latest election, but the leopard has not changed its spots. Situation in AP under TDP-NDA now is ominous as seen above.
Dravidian parties, both DMK and AIADMK, winked and facilitated suppression, atrocities,and hundreds of murders of dalits,from Keelavenmani till date. as shown in a series of articles in countercurrents.org (seea few links below). Fascism by ‘Anti-brahminical forces’ is no better; it is no consolation for dalits.
Like ‘Love jihad’ of the sangh parivar, there is an open demand in Tamilnadu to ban marriages of BC persons, specially vanniars, with dalits : More than 300 honor killings, mostly of dalits, were there in Tamilnadu for such marriages.. The party that demanded a ban, PMK of Dr Ramdas, has been an honorable and successful ally of Dravidian parties, DMK as well as AIADMK; presently PMK is an ally of BJP and AIADMK factions.
Fascism is fascism, communal or secular…brahminical or Anti-brahminical…it needs to be fought. Those fighting for democracy and against fascism have a big job ahead.
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Given below are links of some reports cited or mentioned in this article.
https://www.thenewsminute.com/andhra-pradesh/blocking-news-channels-tdp-ysrcp-and-the-media-war
Tamilnadu : Drinking Water-tank Of Vengaivayal Dalit Colony Found With Human Excreta Mixed: No Arrests,
Tamilnadu’s Caste mafia has deep roots and thrives by patronage of ruling parties, 26/03/2022.
‘Honour killings’ in the land of ‘self-respect movement’ 06/12/2021
https://countercurrents.org/2021/12/honour-killings-in-the-land-of-self-respect-movement-part-1
Social Justice in words, Brazen Casteism And Slavery in Practice , in Tamil Nadu, 07/01/2022
M A Krishna is a media person who also contributed to countercurrents.org.
