The Opposition BJP and JD(S) on Monday (August 24, 2026) accused the State Information and Publicity Department of “biased” coverage of proceedings in the Legislative Assembly and raised slogans against it.As soon as the House met, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok and other BJP and JD(S) members strongly criticised what they termed the Information and Publicity Department’s “pro-government” coverage. Mr. Ashok demanded the removal of the department’s Commissioner, alleging that Opposition leaders were not being given adequate coverage during their speeches in the House.Last week, Mr. Ashok had complained to journalists covering the Assembly that photographs of him rarely appeared in newspapers, while those of ruling party leaders and Ministers received prominence. He then approached Assembly Secretary M.K. Vishalakshi and asked the department to photograph Opposition leaders and share the pictures with the media via WhatsApp.Meanwhile, the Opposition has intensified its protest over the alleged irregularities in the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation by storming the well of the House and demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra.The agitation entered its sixth consecutive day on Monday. During the previous five days, Opposition members had staged protests from their seats, raising slogans against the Congress government.The agitation entered its sixth consecutive day on Monday. Over the previous five days, Opposition members had staged protests from their seats, raising slogans against the Congress government.Mr. Ashok accused the government of “insulting” the House by protecting Mr. Nagendra. “For the sake of one person, the government is insulting this House and its members,” he said. He said the BJP was ready to discuss issues including drought, the NICE project, Bidadi Township Project, cancellation of ration cards and delays in pension payments.“There are one crore Dalits, but this government is choosing one Nagendra over one crore Dalits,” Mr. Ashok said. Published - August 24, 2026 06:59 pm IST