‘Rein in your leaders first’

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

BRS working president KT Rama Rao stated that the Congress government should first ensure its own leaders cease making inflammatory remarks before proceeding with the proposed Hate Speech Bill in the Assembly. Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Telugu newspaper in Hyderabad on Saturday, he suggested that the government should lead by example, urging Congress leaders to moderate their language before criticizing others for hate speech.

Referencing TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud's comments on combating fake news online, KT Rama Rao emphasized the need for fact-checking content across both mainstream and social media. He challenged the accuracy of claims that Pragathi Bhavan had 150 rooms and gold commodes, questioning who was residing there and who disseminated such misinformation. The BRS working president also addressed allegations concerning the Kaleshwaram project, questioning if branding an Rs 84,000 crore project as a Rs 1 lakh crore scam constituted fake news.

KTR also pointed to reports of film actors' phones being tapped, which police officials later debunked by stating they had no information about the actors or their phone numbers. Recalling recent Gen Z protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, KT Rama Rao noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response via a midnight social media post, asserting that while traditional media can be controlled, social media remains vital for holding governments accountable.

He further highlighted the case of a sexual assault allegation involving a Union minister's son, questioning if it would have garnered attention without social media. Similarly, KT Rama Rao inquired which media outlets had covered alleged assaults at Lagacherla or addressed the government's alleged intolerance towards journalists. He stated that while social media should not be used for abuse or defamation, imposing restrictions would infringe upon the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.