Speaking at an event in Hyderabad on Friday, Telangana IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao took a jibe at Bengaluru, the IT Rival of Pearl City. The Minister said Bengaluru “claims to be a cosmopolitan city, but takes comedy too seriously”. He came in support of standup comedians - Munawar Faruqui and Kunal Kamra whose shows were canceled in Bengaluru.

"We truly are welcoming. Unlike, we are truly a cosmopolitan city, welcoming all cultures and criticism. You can come here and criticize the government. In fact, we receive a lot of brickbats from our Opposition every day but are very tolerant. In our city, stand-up comedians get an open invite," the Minister announced.

But then, this statement of the minister came under criticism right from the media. The GHMC council meeting has happened on Saturday. But then, media representatives were banned from entering the press gallery. They have staged a protest at the GHMC office.

"TRS government is scared of Media. First, they restricted media entry into the temporary Secretariat @ BRKR Bhavan and now, banned them in GHMC council meetings. I'm sure, this Govt will not allow media into the newly constructed Secretariat either. Bangaaru Telangana Mubarak!," Mohmmad Faiuddin, a reporter of Sakshi criticized. Many other reporters voice a similar opinion.

Media representatives protest against GHMC after they blocked entry into the press gallery for coverage of GHMC council meeting on Saturday.. pic.twitter.com/zqyKSgzbTQ

— Qadri Syed Rizwan (@Qadrisyedrizwan) December 18, 2021

Media kept out of GHMC council meeting today. @GHMCOnline may be has nothing to show to prove its existence is worth the cost of public money @KTRTRS @arvindkumar_ias pic.twitter.com/wtbJ29NKa1

— Balu Pulipaka (@BaluPulipaka) December 18, 2021

Restrictions on Media in @GHMCOnline ? Authorities didn’t allowed media to attend & cover #GHMC council meeting. It’s a first time in history. @KTRTRS @arvindkumar_ias kindly make authorities understand about vibrant democracy. @GadwalvijayaTRS pic.twitter.com/erUlK27PJ1

— Mubashir.Khurram (@infomubashir) December 18, 2021