Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy with higher education minister GT Devegowda in Mysuru on Sunday

MYSURU: Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday revealed that his government was mulling over a legislation to “control” the media, especially electronic media, to curb “irresponsible reporting”.

Speaking at a book launch, organised by the Mysuru Zilla Kannada Sahitya Parishat, HDK said he stopped speaking to the media for the past one month because of “irresponsible reporting”.

“Though former minister and JD(S) chief AH Vishwanath, during his speech, said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scared to address the media, it’s not the same for me,” Kumaraswamy said, adding, “I have always had cordial relations with the media, but now, because of irresponsible reporting, especially about politicians who they treat like jokers, I don’t bother to address the media as much as I used to.”

He went on to say, “If the chief of a television channel does not have a good enough story, let him close the channel and go home instead of airing false reports and having discussions according to their whims and fancies. This sort of thing is of no use to society or the public. Electronic media earlier had ethics, but now, not many adhere to ethics. They should realise that I have not survived because of favourable reporting, but because of the faith of 6.6 crore people of this state.”

Continuing his tirade, the CM claimed the media ignored his good deeds and instead focused on false reports.

“Every day, people come to me with various problems and I try and help them. The media does not want to highlight people’s woes, including the severe drought across the state, but instead wants to focus on sensational false stories.

“Do you think the government will keep quiet? The government is mulling over a law so that there is some control on irresponsible reporting,” he said.

