Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently expressed his concern, stating that some journalists are merely pawns for their corporate masters.
Addressing a conclave hosted by the Kerala Media Academy, Mr. Vijayan highlighted how powerful corporate houses, often supported by the Central government, are silencing journalists. These entities, he noted, have been steadily acquiring numerous media outlets nationwide.
He further asserted that some journalists are compelled to align with the political agendas dictated by their employers.
According to Mr. Vijayan, this corporate-dominated media actively pursues a divisive news strategy, aiming to split the nation along religious lines. This, he argued, serves to obscure the pressing livelihood challenges faced by citizens under the current neo-liberal government at the Centre, citing examples like ‘Republic TV’.
The Chief Minister warned that independent media outlets face severe existential threats under the present administration. He pointed out that government critics are frequently branded as traitors, leading to imprisonment or even death.
During the event, Mr. Vijayan also drew attention to the esteemed presence of Abdullah Abu Shawesh, the Palestinian Ambassador to India.
He passionately declared that Palestine holds a profound place in the hearts of Keralites. “Palestinians are struggling for their very survival as a people, and their unwavering spirit has made them folk heroes in Kerala,” he stated. “Generations here have been raised on the tales of their historic and iconic fight for nationhood and self-determination.”
Mr. Vijayan cited renowned Kerala writer M. Leelavathy, who shared how the agonizing situation of Gazans, suffering under Israeli occupation and what she termed ‘genocide,’ has deeply affected her. She found herself unable to eat without picturing the faces of starving families, particularly children.
He emphasized that Israel’s relentless bombardment and military actions in Gaza have resulted in 65,000 deaths since last October, including women, children, journalists, aid workers, and doctors. Mr. Vijayan concluded, “Ms. Leelavathy’s profound distress perfectly mirrors Kerala’s collective anguish for the embattled people of Palestine.”