Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bangalore, Oct 26: Senior journalist Maadev Prakash has requested him to be left out of the list of people being considered for Rajyotaa awards as he is currently the media advisor to the chief minister.

"I am of the opinion that having been discharging responsibility as the media advisor in the chief minister's secretariat, it is morally unfair on my part to receive this prestigious Rajyotsava award. Although the chief minister has decided my eligibility based on my achievements, it has the potential of giving wrong signals to the public," he stated. "I am of the opinion that it is not right to put the chief minister in an embarrassing situation. I request the people not to consider this as arrogance on my part. During my 46 years in journalism sector, I have served as columnist, editor, political analyst both in print and visual media. I understand that considering my contributions, the chief minister has considered me for the Rajyotsava award. But I personally feel accepting the award is not morally right. I have never lobbied for the award and I feel that the people should not get an impression that I got this award on the basis of my position and power," he clarified.

However, the state government is yet to make public the list of Rajyotava awardees selected by it.