Media Manhandled, Kept in Dark as Chaos Ensues in TN Assembly

Amid ruckus, vandalism and scuffles, the media was banned from broadcasting TN assembly proceedings.

TN Police deployed outside the assembly (L), the transistor media persons were supposed to rely on to record proceedings. (Photo: ANI/Anna Isaac)

The floor test for the 2-day old government of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami kicked off, amid chaos and commotion in the TN Assembly, on 18 February.

However, video cameras were banned from recording the proceedings. It isn’t unusual for the Tamil Nadu Assembly to do away with live telecast of the floor test that could decide the political fate of the state that provides as many as 39 MPs to the Lok Sabha but recordings of the proceedings are usually permitted.

Initially, media persons with credentials were packed into a small conference room with a small speaker where the audio of the proceedings were to be broadcast.

However, even that speaker was found to be disconnected, leaving most journalists in the dark about the ruckus that was going on in the assembly.

Arguments broke out after the police barred media personnel from entering the Assembly premises. Media persons were also reportedly manhandled by the police. The News Minute reports:

“Reporters resist police’s attempt to make them move from area where MLAs will pass through after assembly session. Arguments break out between police officers and photojournalists. TS Anbu IPS present at the spot.” 

The ban drew sharp reactions and criticism from the media fraternity.