The latest episode of the arrest of two journalists belonging to popular Telugu television channel NTV in connection with allegedly defamatory and indecent coverage targeting a senior woman IAS officer has exposed the double standards of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the main opposition in Telangana.
The BRS has been raising a hue and cry over what it calls “police excesses” and “attacks on media freedom,” but analysts say the incident has only exposed the party’s hypocrisy and selective outrage.
It is an open secret that NTV has been adopting a pro-BRS stand right from the beginning.
Besides, NTV, several digital and social media forums owing allegiance to the BRS have carried the reports that allegedly insinuated an illicit relationship between a woman IAS officer and a sitting minister.
The content triggered widespread condemnation from civil service associations, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers’ bodies, who termed the coverage “vulgar,” “baseless,” and “demeaning to women in public service.”
Under mounting pressure, the state government ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Two journalists associated with NTV were taken into custody and produced before a magistrate, who granted them bail the same night.
The BRS leadership, including party working president K T Rama Rao (KTR), and T Harish Rao, has accused the Congress government of intimidation, vendetta politics, and throttling press freedom.
However, political observers and media commentators have pointed out glaring inconsistencies in the party’s position.
During KCR’s tenure as chief minister, when a woman IAS officer working in the chief minister’s office (CMO) was targeted through an offensive cartoon, the government not only supported her legally but reportedly spent public funds to fight the case, projecting it as a stand for women’s dignity.
“Then it was hailed as protecting a woman officer’s honour. Today, when another woman IAS officer is targeted through character assassination, the same party is defending the accused and attacking the police,” a senior journalist remarked.
Critics have also recalled instances during the BRS regime when journalists and activists were booked, including the controversial police action at activist professor Kodandaram’s residence, questioning the moral high ground claimed by the party now.
A key point of contention is that NTV, after initially airing the controversial content, issued an on-air apology, effectively admitting error.
Media circles argue that while social media and paid digital platforms often indulge in malicious campaigns for political gain, a popular television channel like NTV is expected to exercise restraint, editorial judgment, and adherence to journalistic ethics.
“There is growing consensus within journalist circles that NTV failed in basic professional standards in this episode,” a senior editor said.
The criticism is sharper because, in the FIR, after NTV, several outlets allegedly aligned with the BRS ecosystem were also named, fuelling the perception that the outrage is driven more by political proximity than by principle.
Beyond politics and media, the episode has resonated deeply among working women across Telangana. Many see this as a larger issue of character assassination and social stigma faced by women professionals.
“If a senior IAS officer can be targeted like this, what protection does an ordinary working woman have?” asked a women’s rights activist.
Political analysts have also questioned the BRS silence on attacks against other media houses. They pointed to the recent attack on Mahaa News office and asked why BRS leaders did not show similar outrage.
Likewise, in Andhra Pradesh, when journalists and “yellow media” were allegedly harassed during the YSRCP regime, very few journalist associations protested, raising concerns about double standards.
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