Kerala’s ruling CPI(M) has ignited a media storm by alleging that news organizations twisted coverage of recent agitations, converting legitimate opposition to communalism into tales of religious warfare. The party’s salvo highlights deepening rifts between political powerhouses and the fourth estate.
At the heart of the dispute are protests that unfolded across northern Kerala districts. Organized under secular banners, they challenged what organizers called ‘divisive forces’ encroaching on social harmony. But scrolling news tickers told a different story: ‘Temple-Mosque Tensions Erupt,’ screamed banners, fueling online outrage.
CPI(M) Politburo member M A Baby articulated the grievance in an op-ed, decrying ‘manufactured communalism’ via selective editing. He cited instances where peaceful chants were dubbed over with alarmist commentary, misleading millions.
Data from fact-checking sites backs the claim partially, noting discrepancies in crowd estimates and event timelines. Police FIRs describe minor affrays handled swiftly, contradicting riotous depictions.
This pattern fits a larger canvas where Kerala’s progressive ethos clashes with national saffron surges. CPI(M) frames it as orchestrated by BJP sympathizers in media, aiming to dent LDF’s image ahead of local polls.
Defenders of the press argue editorial freedom allows interpretive framing. Yet, ad revenue pressures and TRP chases often prioritize drama. The Kerala Union of Journalists called for dialogue, advocating self-regulation over censorship.
CPI(M)’s countermeasures include public screenings of unedited footage and petitions to regulatory bodies. Youth wing SFI mobilized campuses for ‘Truth Marches,’ amplifying the message digitally.
Ultimately, this confrontation tests democracy’s pillars: informed electorate versus unchecked narratives. As Kerala navigates these choppy waters, the onus lies on all stakeholders to prioritize truth over triumph.