Senior journalist and popular anchor Parvathaneni Venkata Krishna, known more for his aggressive behaviour than his journalistic skills, has once again come under fire on the social media platforms for his rude attitude towards a Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader during a political debate.
It happened on Saturday when Venkata Krishna asked BRS MLC and party spokesman Takkallapalli Ravinder Rao to “get out of the debate” when the latter refused to apologise his strong comments against the ruling Congress leaders during the debate on the alleged Singareni coal mines scam.
Venkata Krishna took exception to the BRS leader’s strong words against the ruling party leaders. Instead of handling the debate intelligently, he demanded an apology from Ravinder Rao, but he refused.
“Then, get out of my debate,” the anchor shouted at the BRS leader in a strong tone and even asked the control unit to disconnect the link to the latter.
Within hours, Venkata Krishna became a subject for heavy trolling and attack on social media.
Both pro-BRS social media users and also independent netizens strongly criticised him for behaving in a rude manner towards an elected member.
“Venkata Krishna seems to have taken a cue from TV9 woman anchor Devi who, too, behaved in a similar manner by asking upcoming actor Vishwak Sen to get out of the debate for allegedly using cuss words,” a netizen said.
They pointed out that these anchors seem to be under impression that they would become popular by dominating the guests at the television debates.
“Arnab Goswami does similar antics. Similar aggressive postures can be seen in TV5 anchor Murthy,” another netizen said.
Meanwhile, the BRS announced a complete ban on the ABN television channel from covering its meetings and events, following the disrespect shown by Venkata Krishna towards Takkallapalli Ravinder Rao.
According to the party leadership, representatives of ABN channel will no longer be permitted to attend or report on any kind of BRS meetings, gatherings, or official programmes.
The party has also decided that its leaders will refrain from participating in any debates or discussion shows hosted by ABN going forward.
The party leadership condemned the statement, calling it an act of public insult against an elected representative.
The BRS has demanded an unconditional apology from Venkatakrishna to MLC Ravinder Rao, warning that such conduct undermines democratic discourse and media ethics.
Senior leaders within the party have maintained that the ban will remain in force until the channel issues a proper apology and ensures respectful treatment of political representatives during televised discussions.