Political circles see pattern in media reports against Ministers

The recent media reports against a few Ministers are being seen as an indication of how deep the cracks run and how attempts are allegedly being made to belittle them both personally and politically

Hyderabad: A few Ministers have been in the news for the wrong reasons over the last few days, triggering debate across sections and fuelling speculation in political circles that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is allegedly using the media as a tool to target those who do not see eye to eye with him.

As a political analyst remarked, one incident may be by chance and two a coincidence, but three clearly indicate a pattern. About a fortnight ago, Raj News aired a report on the functioning of a Minister from the erstwhile Karimnagar district. This was followed by an NTV report alleging “misconduct” by a Minister from the erstwhile Nalgonda district involving an IAS officer. On Sunday, a Minister from the erstwhile Khammam district was targeted in a report carried by ABN Andhra Jyothy. Some leaders within the Congress itself have alleged that the Chief Minister was “using” news channels to gain political one-upmanship over his Cabinet colleagues.

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Ever since the Congress government came to power in the State, fissures within the Cabinet have been surfacing. The recent media reports against a few Ministers are being seen as an indication of how deep the cracks run and how attempts are allegedly being made to belittle them both personally and politically.

It is widely acknowledged in political circles that the Chief Minister maintains cordial relations with certain media houses, particularly those perceived to be favouring the Telugu Desam Party. While Congress leaders and Ministers have been projecting unity, developments suggest that the situation within the party may not be as harmonious as portrayed.

Observers also point out that this pattern is not confined to keeping a check on a few Ministers in the State Cabinet but extends to favouring TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. Media coverage during recent confrontations between political leaders from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over irrigation projects is cited as further evidence.

Interestingly, after a Minister took strong objection at a press conference to a news report aired against him, two journalists were arrested, citing a complaint by the IAS Officers Association. Now, following sharp criticism by a Minister from Khammam over reports published against him, it remains to be seen whether the government will act with similar urgency.

Considering the Chief Minister’s reported cordial relationship with the management of the media house concerned, the situation could take an interesting turn.