Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has hinted that the government might ban the telecast of TV shows based on astrology in a bid to tackle superstition. He made the statement while addressing a gathering at a book release event, organised by Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti in Bengaluru on Monday.
"Every television channel wants to air astrology-based shows in Karnataka. There seem to be many viewers for them. In my home too, the scenario is no different. It's time we banned such shows,” he said.
However, some television channels showed their protest by telecasting astrology shows on Tuesday and by seeking reactions from opposition leaders.
"Many politicians strongly believe in astrology. They don't miss an opportunity to seek advice during elections and crises. How can they have different rules for different people?" an anchor of a leading Kannada channel asked.
This announcement comes in the backdrop of the constant demand for an anti-superstition bill that is staunchly against airing astrology shows on Kannada television channels.
Sources said that the revised draft of the Karnataka Prevention of Superstitious Practices Bill, 2015 is reportedly ready and might be placed before the cabinet soon. It has been kept pending due to the local bodies elections.
Following the murder of scholar MM Kalaburgi in August, many social activists have been pushing Siddaramaiah to get the bill passed as soon as possible.
This is an aggregated report from Times of India, India Today