Congress disapproves of Telangana chief minister’s 'bury media' remarks

New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday expressed its disapproval of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's remark that he would "bury" the media "10-km under the earth" if it "insults" his state and said politicians should not be friendly to the media "only when it gives friendly news".

"It (Rao's remarks) cannot be supported by anyone. We have (on occasions) differences with the media, but it is an intrinsic part of Indian democracy... In moments of crisis and distress, we should not react by killing the messenger," Congress spokesperson Salman Khurshid told reporters here. Khurshid said that his message to his politician colleagues would be that they should not "treat the media friendly only when it gives friendly news".

Read: Will bury news channels that dare to insult Telangana: Chief Minister KCR stirs controversy

At a function yesterday in Telangana's Warangal, KCR had said, "If anybody tries to denigrate or hurt the self-respect of Telangana, Telangana Assembly, Telangana culture... we will break their necks. Be careful. Beware or else we will bury you 10km (under the earth).

Read: Kavitha defends KCR, says channels used ‘vulgar language’ to parody Telangana CM

"We will not allow media to play games. If you do more, you will face more. I am telling you as the chief minister; if you want to stay here, salute us and stay. Respect our Telangana people and stay here."

Read: KCR draws flak from Congress, BJP over 'bury the media' remark

The statement from Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief KCR follows the blocking by the Association of Telangana Multiple System Operators (cable TV operators) of the transmission of TV channels ABN Andhra Jyothi and TV9 since June 16, alleging that they had aired programmes "denigrating the Telangana dialect, sentiment and hurting the feelings" of the people of the state.