The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has strongly condemned BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar for his aggressive response to a female journalist who questioned him about the recent suicide of a BJP councillor, K Anil Kumar, in Thirumala ward.
The journalist asked Chandrasekhar about the death of K Anil Kumar, who reportedly faced financial issues linked to a cooperative society and was found hanging.
The Response: A video of the exchange went viral, showing Chandrasekhar visibly angry. Upon learning the journalist worked for Kairali (the official channel of the CPI(M)), he aggressively told her not to ask questions and used the Malayalam word “Nee” (“You”), which is considered highly disrespectful in that context.
The BJP has alleged a conspiracy involving the CPI(M) and police in the death, while the CPI(M) dismisses the claim, noting the suicide note mentioned only a lack of support from “their own people”.
The KUWJ issued a statement saying the state president’s behavior was “abusive” and demonstrated “intolerance towards the media,” in addition to insulting and threatening women.
When political leaders resort to gendered disrespect and attempt to silence journalists based on their employer’s perceived political affiliation, is this a defense of party image or a direct assault on the impartiality required for a free press?
