Journalists denied entry to Ministers’ review meeting in Sangareddy

Journalists invited to a Ministers’ review meeting in Sangareddy were denied entry, drawing criticism from media representatives and opposition leaders. BRS MLAs also objected to being denied an opportunity to speak, before the Ministers assured them they could address the meeting.

Sangareddy: The denial of entry to journalists at a district-level meeting of Ministers in Sangareddy drew criticism from journalists and opposition party leaders on Tuesday.

The incident occurred during a review meeting conducted by Information and Public Relations and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on the revenue, registration and housing departments of erstwhile Medak district. Health Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha and Labour Minister G Vivekananda were also present at the meeting held at the Zilla Parishad meeting hall here.

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The journalists had been informed about and invited to the meeting by the District Public Relations Officer. However, they were denied entry into the meeting hall without any reason being given. The journalists, who had set aside their other assignments to attend the meeting, were shocked by the officials’ decision. They argued with the officials over the issue, but to no avail. Journalists are usually allowed into official review meetings.

BRS MLA Kotha Prabhakar Reddy questioned the officials’ treatment of journalists and demanded that they be allowed into the meeting hall. However, the officials refused to budge, indicating that they had clear directions from the Ministers.

Meanwhile, BRS MLAs Kotha Prabhakar Reddy, Chintha Prabhakar, V Sunitha Lakshma Reddy and K Manik Rao refused to sit on the dais, stating that opposition MLAs were not allowed to speak at official meetings. However, the three Ministers convinced them to join the meeting and assured them that they would be given an opportunity to speak when they took their seats on the dais.