Thiruvananthapuram, August 12: Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the President of the Kerala BJP, has expressed serious concerns regarding the ownership and control of media organizations by individuals facing criminal charges and serious allegations. He stated that such trends pose a threat to democracy and undermine the credibility of the fourth estate.
Chandrasekhar’s remarks come at a time when Kerala’s Sports Minister O.J. Janesh is expected to announce a comprehensive investigation into the matter during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Thursday.
His comments are particularly relevant amid ongoing controversies surrounding the proposal to bring the Argentina football team to Kerala and allegations of financial irregularities exceeding ₹126 crores related to the Messi incident.
He called for a thorough investigation into the financial transactions and the individuals responsible, emphasizing that the questions surrounding this case cannot be overlooked.
Chandrasekhar asserted that the media serves as the fourth pillar of democracy. He argued that media organizations, expected to act as watchdogs, cannot maintain public trust when their owners face serious accusations and ongoing criminal proceedings.
He clarified that being an accused does not automatically imply guilt. However, ongoing legal actions related to tree-cutting in Mattil and allegations against the owner of ‘Reporter TV’ have raised legitimate questions about the credibility and accountability of media institutions.
He noted that the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of the Argentina team has raised financial and procedural questions that require clear answers.
Chandrasekhar stated that the investigation report from the sports department has created a situation that necessitates further inquiry. He also accused ‘Reporter TV’ and its owners of attempting to evade repeated allegations.
He emphasized that freedom of the press does not equate to immunity from accountability or protection from the law. He insisted that media organizations and their owners must operate within the bounds of transparency and accountability.
He urged investigative agencies to trace and expose the sources of funding related to the controversies, arguing that individuals with criminal backgrounds or serious allegations should not be allowed to use media institutions as a shield.
The BJP leader and legislator warned that the media sector in Kerala should not become a conduit for political or economic interests. He also cautioned about the increasing influence of anti-national forces in the media sector, which could pose a threat to democracy.
His statement comes at a time when the Messi-related controversy has escalated beyond the football field, raising questions about money, contracts, and official accountability.
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