Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12 (IANS) Kerala BJP President, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the ownership and control of media organisations by people allegedly facing criminal cases and serious allegations, saying such a trend poses a threat to democracy and undermines the credibility of the fourth pillar.
His call comes at a time when the Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan Cabinet that meets on Thursday is expected to announce a wide ranging probe into this, according to Kerala Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh.
Chandrasekhar’s remarks come amid the 2025 controversy surrounding the proposed bringing of the Argentina football team to Kerala and allegations of financial irregularities to the tune of over Rs 126 crore connected with the Messi episode.
He demanded a comprehensive investigation into the financial transactions and those responsible for them, saying the questions raised by the episode could not be brushed aside.
“The media is the fourth pillar of democracy,” Chandrasekhar said, arguing that media organisations expected to act as watchdogs cannot retain public credibility if their owners themselves face serious allegations and criminal proceedings.
Without declaring anyone guilty merely because they are an accused, Chandrasekhar said the continuing legal proceedings in the Muttil tree-felling case and allegations surrounding the owner of Reporter TV raised legitimate questions about the credibility and accountability of the media organisation.
He said the controversy over the Argentina team’s proposed Kerala visit had thrown up both financial and procedural questions that required clear answers.
The Sports Department’s enquiry report had itself created a situation warranting further examination, he said.
Chandrasekhar also accused Reporter TV and its owners of attempting to evade allegations repeatedly levelled against them.
Freedom of the Press, he said, could not mean freedom from accountability or protection from the law.
“Freedom of the media is not protection above the law,” he said, insisting that media organisations and their owners must be subject to transparency and accountability.
He called upon investigative agencies to trace and disclose the sources of funds involved in the controversies, arguing that people with criminal backgrounds or serious allegations should not be allowed to use media organisations as a shield.
The BJP leader also an MLA said Kerala’s media sector should not become an instrument for political or financial interests.
He also warned against what he termed the possibility of anti-national forces gaining influence in the media sector, saying this would pose a danger to democracy.
His statement comes at a time when the Messi related controversy has moved beyond the footballing arena into questions over money, contracts and official accountability.
Chandrasekhar demanded a comprehensive probe into the financial dealings connected with the Argentina team and all other allegations, saying the truth must be brought out and nobody should be allowed to place themselves above the law under the cover of a media organisation.
He stressed that media freedom and media responsibility must go hand in hand if public confidence in the fourth pillar is to be protected.
–IANS
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