Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 10: In connection with verbal tirade let loose against a news channel recently by Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, former chief minister S M Krishna, had advised the chief minister to keep in mind that the post of the chief minister is temporary and that he is expected to hold freedom of media high.

In response thereof, Kumaraswamy said that he is open to accept criticism that is constructive in nature, either about his government or his behaviour. He reiterated that he is well aware that the post of the chief minister is not permanent. The exchanges between the current and former chief ministers have been attracting attention of the people.

S M Krishna, in a press statement he released relating to angry words let loose by the chief minister at a recent JD(S) programme against a news channel, had commented that the way Kumaraswamy reacted to the content telecast by the channel made him look like having been frustrated by the ignominious defeat his party suffered during the recent Lok Sabha election. He also derided Kumaraswamy for stooping low and making unwarranted allegations.

Reacting to this, the chief minister said he respects the statement made by Krishna about freedom of the press. At the same time, he reminded Krishna that there is no provision to indulge in wayward assassination of the character of another person in the name of freedom of the press. He said that in the eyes of law, journalists and chief minister are equals and everyone have to bow before the law and wished that Krishna would educate the media persons involved about this principle.

"I believe that Krishna knows that legal action becomes inevitable when the media unnecessarily indulges in character assassination. I want to politely tell him that I am aware about the limitations of my position. I have an open mind, and receive constructive criticism with a sportive mind," he explained.