New Delhi: Hyderabad police on Wednesday arrested two journalists from their homes for uploading a video featuring a farmer discussing his struggles under the Congress government. According to reports, journalist Revathi and colleague Tanvi Yadav were taken into custody around 5 AM.
The journalist’s arrest has drawn sharp attack from the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) who described it as an assault on press freedom by the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government.
BRS working president KT Rama Rao likened the actions seen during the Emergency period, slamming the government’s move as a direct attack on journalists for merely amplifying a farmer’s voice.
“The Congress talks about constitutional governance, but where is the freedom of the press in this? Arresting journalists for sharing a farmer’s perspective is nothing short of authoritarianism,” Rao remarked, demanding an end to such suppression.
NV Subhas, BJP’s Telangana spokesperson and grandson of former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, also condemned the crackdown, calling it a blatant violation of press rights.
Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao questioned whether Telangana was still functioning as a democracy, while MLC K Kavitha accused the Congress government of silencing dissent through intimidation.
“This administration cannot tolerate criticism. Revathi’s pre-dawn arrest reflects the Congress’ insecurity and intolerance. I strongly denounce this disgraceful attempt to muzzle journalists and restrict press freedom,” Harish Rao stated.
