Jagga Reddy calls Press Club ‘toddy compound’, draws media ire

Press Club Committee demands that the TPCC working president withdraw his comments and tender unconditional apology

Hyderabad: Courting controversy, TPCC working president T Jagga Reddy dubbed the Press Club of Hyderabad a “toddy compound”, drawing the ire of the media.

The TPCC working president had made the statement while responding to BRS working president KT Rama Rao’s challenge to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for a debate on the measures initiated for farming community’s welfare. Taking objection to the venue, the Congress leader found fault with Rama Rao calling the Chief Minister to the Press Club.

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“Debates and discussions take place in Assembly. How can he invite the Chief Minister to a toddy compound for the debate?” Jagga Reddy asked, stating that BRS leaders should not instigate Congress leaders. He also said he would accompany the Chief Minister for debates in the future.

Taking serious objection to Jagga Reddy’s comments, the Press Club Committee demanded that the Congress leader withdraw his comments and tender an unconditional apology.

Chief Ministers like N Chandrababu Naidu, YS Rajasekhara Reddy and even Revanth Reddy had used the Press Club platform to express their political views, the Committee pointed out.

“Such comments from responsible and senior leaders are unacceptable and they should be withdrawn immediately. Political leaders and parties should not target media and media personnel and should respect the media’s independence,” the Committee said.