Rajeev Chandrasekhar Warns Against Concentration of Media Ownership
Rajeev Chandrasekhar flags concerns over media ownership concentration.
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday raised concerns over the ownership and control of media organisations by individuals facing criminal cases or serious allegations, arguing that such circumstances could affect public confidence in the media. His remarks came amid controversy surrounding the proposed visit of the Argentina football team to Kerala and allegations of financial irregularities linked to the episode.
Chandrasekhar argued that the media, as the fourth pillar of democracy, must maintain credibility through transparency and accountability. At the same time, he stressed that being accused in a criminal case does not by itself establish guilt. He referred to the ongoing legal proceedings in the Muttil tree-felling case and allegations involving the owner of Reporter TV as issues that, in his view, warranted greater scrutiny of media ownership and accountability.
The BJP leader also sought a comprehensive examination of the financial transactions associated with the proposed Argentina team's Kerala visit. The controversy, which emerged around the Messi-related episode, has raised questions about financial arrangements, contracts and official procedures. Chandrasekhar pointed to the Sports Department's enquiry report as a reason for further examination and maintained that all financial dealings connected with the episode should be transparently accounted for.
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His remarks came ahead of a Kerala Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday, with state Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh indicating that a wide-ranging probe could be announced. Chandrasekhar urged investigative agencies to trace the sources and movement of funds involved in the controversies and determine whether any irregularities had occurred. He maintained that questions surrounding the Argentina football proposal should not be dismissed without establishing the facts.
Chandrasekhar also argued that freedom of the press should not provide immunity from legal scrutiny. He maintained that media organisations and their owners must remain subject to the same standards of transparency and accountability applicable to others. He further cautioned against media institutions becoming vehicles for political or financial interests and raised concerns about the possibility of forces hostile to India's interests gaining influence in the sector.
The BJP leader maintained that media freedom and responsibility must operate together to preserve public trust in journalism. He urged authorities to examine the allegations and financial transactions connected with the Argentina football episode comprehensively, arguing that the facts should be established through a transparent investigation and that no individual or organisation should be placed beyond the reach of the law.
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