On Tuesday, the Karnataka Assembly saw intense verbal clashes between Congress and BJP members over alleged biased camera coverage during proceedings. The dispute arose when BJP leaders claimed that the cameras were deliberately avoiding capturing their speeches while focusing on Congress members. This led Speaker U.T. Khader to temporarily adjourn the House.
When the session resumed, both Khader and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil promised disciplinary action against the officials responsible for the technical glitch. Patil assured the Assembly that he would address the issue with the Chief Secretary and take action against the guilty officers, including potential suspensions.
The controversy unfolded just before the lunch break when Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka attempted to raise an adjournment motion regarding recruitment scams in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). During Ashoka’s speech, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Aravind Bellad pointed out that the cameras were not focusing on Ashoka, while members of the ruling party were prominently featured. Bellad questioned whether there was an instruction to highlight only the ruling party members.
The BJP also accused the government of handing over telecast operations to “Congress workers,” leading to what they described as unequal camera coverage. Ashoka voiced his concerns, arguing that camera space should be equally distributed between members of both parties. He criticized the government for what he perceived as unfair treatment even over such a minor issue.