Kerala CM Slams Media Over 'Fake News' on Wayanad Relief Funds

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized a section of the media for spreading 'fake news' regarding the state's memorandum for central aid in the Wayanad landslide disaster. He accused the media of distorting facts and engaging in misleading campaigns to discredit the government, potentially necessitating legal action.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday criticized parts of the media for allegedly propagating 'fake news' about the state's memorandum for central aid amid the Wayanad landslide disaster. He characterized the actions as 'destructive journalism' and warned of possible legal repercussions for such 'misleading campaigns.'

Addressing a press conference, Vijayan accused the media of creating false narratives that sought to discredit Kerala by suggesting the state was attempting to illegitimately secure aid. He clarified that the memorandum was prepared by experts, not ministers, and the figures presented were projected estimates, not exaggerations.

Vijayan called for the media to rectify their false reports, highlighting that this isn't the first instance of misinformation. He emphasized the need for public scrutiny of such behavior, warning that the media's actions threaten the state's interests and called for an end to the trivialization of Wayanad's recovery efforts for channel ratings.

(With inputs from agencies.)