Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan reached out to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding the reported passport renewal denial for journalist R. Rajagopal. Satheesan urged Adhikari to intervene urgently after an adverse police verification report from Kolkata Police delayed the renewal process.
Rajagopal, a well-known journalist and editor, faced obstacles in renewing his passport due to issues with police verification. The Regional Passport Office’s delayed appointment prevented him from attending his daughter’s wedding in California, adding to his predicament.
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan expressed shock over the passport renewal denial, highlighting concerns about the impact of electoral roll revisions on citizens’ rights. Vijayan criticized the situation faced by Rajagopal, suggesting it reflects broader challenges faced by ordinary citizens in similar circumstances.
The controversy surrounding Rajagopal’s passport renewal has sparked political discussions, with both the ruling UDF and the Opposition Left expressing worries about the treatment of the veteran journalist. Despite their political differences, both sides have shown concern for the situation, emphasizing the need for fair treatment in such matters.
