Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Rajeev Chandrasekhar raises alarm over media ownership in Kerala
Rajeev Chandrasekhar is an important leader in Kerala, a state in India, and he is the head of a big political party called the BJP.
He spoke up because he is worried about news channels and newspapers in Kerala.
Some people who own these news organisations are facing court cases and serious accusations.
He thinks that if the people in charge of the news have problems with the law, people cannot trust the news anymore.
He also talked about a plan to bring Argentina's famous football team, which includes superstar Lionel Messi, to Kerala.
That plan did not happen, and people are asking questions about more than 126 crore rupees of money involved.
So Chandrasekhar wants a full investigation to find out where the money came from and who is responsible.
He mentioned a news channel called Reporter TV and a case about cutting down trees in a place called Muttil.
He said that freedom of the press does not mean being above the law.
He wants media owners to be honest and answerable, just like everyone else.
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar attacked media organisations owned by people facing criminal cases and serious allegations, calling the trend a threat to democracy.
He demanded a comprehensive investigation into financial irregularities of over Rs 126 crore linked to the proposed 2025 visit of the Argentina football team, the so-called 'Messi episode'.
Chandrasekhar cited the Muttil tree-felling case and allegations against the owner of Reporter TV as raising questions about the credibility and accountability of the media.
Kerala Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh said the Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan Cabinet, meeting Thursday, is expected to announce a wide-ranging probe into the matter.
Stating that freedom of the media is not protection above the law, Chandrasekhar asked investigative agencies to trace fund sources and warned against anti-national forces gaining influence in the media sector.
- Who
- Kerala BJP President and MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who criticised media ownership; also involving Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's Cabinet and Kerala Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh.
- What
- Chandrasekhar raised alarm over media organisations owned by people facing criminal cases and demanded a comprehensive probe into financial irregularities of over Rs 126 crore connected to the proposed visit of the Argentina football team, the 'Messi episode'.
- When
- Wednesday, ahead of a Thursday Cabinet meeting expected to announce a wide-ranging probe; the Argentina controversy dates to 2025.
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Why
- To protect democracy and the credibility of the media as the 'fourth pillar', and to ensure transparency and accountability for media owners and fund sources.
- Speaker
- Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Kerala BJP President and MLA
- Core Concern
- Media ownership by people facing criminal cases and serious allegations
- Financial Allegations
- Over Rs 126 crore linked to the proposed Argentina team visit (Messi episode)
- Controversy
- Proposed 2025 Argentina football team visit to Kerala
- Media Outlet Named
- Reporter TV
- Case Cited
- Muttil tree-felling case
- Expected Action
- V.D. Satheesan Cabinet expected to announce wide-ranging probe on Thursday
- Source of Cabinet Info
- Kerala Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh