Thiruvananthapuram: The political corridors of Kerala are buzzing with more than just election rallies. With indications growing that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) might struggle to retain power for a third consecutive term, a sense of “professional panic” has gripped several high-profile journalists in the capital.
For the past decade, a specific circle of media persons has been accused of enjoying unprecedented proximity to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government. Now, faced with the prospect of a United Democratic Front (UDF) victory , many are reportedly making desperate “course corrections.”
The ‘PR Empire’ Under Threat
Sources allege that over a dozen senior journalists in Thiruvananthapuram have been receiving substantial monthly payouts under the guise of “government PR activities.” Furthermore, there are long-standing allegations regarding the appointment of journalists and their relatives to high-paying positions in:
KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board)
Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS)
Various strategic government departments.With a potential change in administration, these “unauthorized” appointments and financial pipelines are expected to come under intense scrutiny, fueling the current desperation.
Sudden Shifts: From Red to Khadi
The political climate has birthed some surprising maneuvers. A prominent journalist, known for years as a fierce defender of CPM policies, is reportedly “dusting off” his old Congress connections. Leveraging a close relative who is a senior UDF leader, he is allegedly attempting to ensure that his “PR empire” remains untouched if the Congress-led alliance takes the reins.
Even more shocking are reports involving a well-known female journalist, traditionally aligned with the Left. She is allegedly managing the secret social media promotion for certain BJP candidates in this election.
"The line between political loyalty and professional survival has completely blurred. We are seeing people who sang praises for the LDF for ten years suddenly trying to find shelter in the UDF or even the BJP camps," said a senior political analyst in the capital.The ‘Undercurrent’ Allegations
These shifts have added fuel to the UDF’s ongoing campaign rhetoric regarding a “secret deal” between the CPM and the BJP. The fact that journalists once loyal to the ‘Hammer and Sickle’ are now reportedly working for ‘Lotus’ candidates is being cited by critics as evidence of an unholy nexus aimed at undermining the Congress.
As the state moves closer to the polling date of April 9, 2026, the frantic movement of these “media power brokers” suggests that they, perhaps more than the politicians, fear the verdict of the people.
