Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday dismissed speculations about a change in the state’s leadership, taking a dig at reports suggesting that his deputy, DK Shivakumar, might replace him.
Speaking at the Press Club of Bangalore Award-2024 (PCB), Siddaramaiah refuted claims of internal conflict and termed such reports as “speculative journalism.” He remarked, “My chair is not vacant, yet journalists keep writing that the Chief Minister will be changed. We don’t have any confusion, but these stories persist.”
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The Chief Minister pointed to the media’s tendency to sensationalise, citing dinner meetings amongst ministers as an example. “If we gather for dinner, it’s reported as political conspiracy discussions, though the reality is often far from it,” he said.
Siddaramaiah urged journalists to prioritise truth and societal welfare in their reporting. “Speculative journalism is a dangerous trend. Verify facts before publishing. At least let your reports be closer to the truth,” he said.
Recalling his first tenure as Chief Minister between 2013 to 2018, Siddaramaiah criticised the promotion of superstition by certain media outlets. He recounted a 2016 incident where a news channel hosted astrologers to predict his political future after a crow perched on his car. “One astrologer said I wouldn’t present the budget, another said I would resign soon after. I continued despite these predictions. Such superstitions should not be encouraged,” he said.
Siddaramaiah reminded journalists of their role as the fourth pillar of democracy, urging them to retain public trust and focus on constructive criticism. “Healthy criticism helps us improve and take corrective measures. People have immense faith in you, honor that,” he added.
At the event, Karnataka Commerce and Industries Minister MB Patil was honored with the PCB Man of the Year Award, while Woman and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, Energy Minister KJ George, and Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa received PCB Special Awards.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
