Kochi (Kerala):

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has barred two Malayalam channels from his press meet at Kochi on Monday.

The Governor requested the reporters from Kairali News and Media One channels to go away the place and stated that he won’t meet these two channels, accusing them of “masquerading” as political individuals.

Asking them to exit, he stated “I considered the media as very important. I have always responded to the media but I am not now able to persuade myself to those that masquerade as media. They are not media, they are masquerading as media but are basically political allies.

“There are literally members of a celebration right here. So, if anyone from these channels is attending the press assembly, please depart. I’d stroll away if there are correspondents from Kairali and Media One. I had categorically talked about that I can’t discuss to Kairali and Media One,” he added.

The press meet was held at the guest house in Kochi today morning.

While the ruling CPI(M) and the main opposition Congress termed his behaviour “fascist,” the Kerala Union of Working Journalists demanded that he rectify his “mistake” and expressed regret for his “undemocratic” action.

Leader of Opposition, VD Satheesan said that by barring a section of the press, Mr Khan was preventing dissemination of information to the people. It is unacceptable, undemocratic and unjustified, the Congress leader said.

“Excluding the media is a mode of the fascist regime. It shouldn’t be solely a menace to democracy but in addition a violation of freedom of the press,” he said in a statement.

Earlier on October 24, Raj Bhavan barred four Malayalam channels including both these channels from attending a press meet of the Governor.

“The Governor earlier additionally took the same stand. Those who criticised him have been referred to as cadres. This is unacceptable in a democratic society,” CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan stated.

Kairali News is the channel of ruling CPI (M). Besides, a Malayalam satellite tv for pc channel Media One is dealing with a ban from the central authorities over safety clearance points.

The Supreme Court final week reserved its judgement on the plea of Media One in opposition to the ban. In an interim order in March, the courtroom had allowed the channel to proceed its broadcast.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is printed from a syndicated feed.)