Journalists protest restrictions at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru

Journalists in Bengaluru staged a protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the premises of Vidhana Soudha on February 20, opposing recent directives issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) restricting media access within the State secretariat.

Wearing black attire and black masks as a mark of protest, media personnel expressed objection to the circular that mandates journalists to obtain official video statements only at a designated location near the western gate of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

The directive also instructs media representatives not to follow the Chief Minister or other ministers inside the premises to record statements.

The DPAR stated that the restrictions have been implemented in the interest of security.

The journalists submitted a representation to K.V. Prabhakar, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, who assured that the concerns raised would be looked into and that the contents of the circular would be reviewed.

Journalists submit a representation to K.V. Prabhakar, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, who assured that their concerns regarding the directives issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) restricting media access within the State secretariat, would be looked into and that the contents of the circular would be reviewed, on February 20, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The protesting journalists argued that the new restrictions hamper routine media coverage and limit access to elected representatives.

The move was opposed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has termed the decision an attempt to curb media freedom under the guise of security.