"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".
"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."
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.