Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today attacked Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleging that the government led by him is "suppressing the freedom of the press" by imposing an "unofficial" ban on a Telugu television news channel.
For four days, cable operators in Andhra Pradesh did not transmit NTV programmes after oral instructions from the state government. The government is suppressing the freedom of the press, APCC spokesperson Kolandukonda Shivaji said in a statement issued here.
Incidentally, NTV had broadcast the video and audio tapes related to the vote-for-cash scam in which TDP leaders are allegedly involved.
Naidu had indirectly banned TV-9 and ABN Telugu television news channels a few months ago, though he had supported these two TV news channels in the past, he said.
Shivaji demanded that Naidu should withdraw his unofficial ban on NTV and also apologise, Shivaji said, adding that he has appealed to the Union government to act immediately to protect freedom of the press.
