THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A significant political and administrative controversy has erupted in Kerala following reports that the state Tourism Department sanctioned a grant of Rs 59 lakh to the news channel Reporter TV.
The development has triggered allegations from opposition parties and social media critics, who claim the massive funding is a “reward” for the channel’s editorial stance, which is frequently perceived as supportive of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the ruling LDF government.
The Timeline of the fund proposal was processed with unusual speed, raising eyebrows within the Secretariat regarding administrative efficiency. According to the documents circulating:
February 3: Reporter TV submitted a formal proposal to the Director of Tourism, seeking Rs 50 lakh for a 15-day campaign promoting Kerala Tourism.
February 18: The Tourism Director forwarded the proposal to Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas with a recommendation for approval.
February 20: Within just two days of receiving the recommendation, Minister Riyas reportedly approved the request. An official order was subsequently issued for a total of Rs 59 lakh, which includes the base amount of Rs 50 lakh plus 18% GST (Rs 9 lakh).Allegations of ‘Unholy Nexus’
Critics have pointed to the backdrop of the state’s current economic strain, questioning the justification of spending such a large sum of public money on a 15-day campaign. Opposition leaders have alleged that this funding is a direct “payback” for the channel’s consistent efforts to defend the government against criticism.
The controversy is further fueled by the association of the channel’s management—specifically Anto Augustine—with high-profile legal cases, including the Muttil tree-felling case. Critics on social media have characterized the transaction as evidence of an “unholy nexus” between the government and the channel’s ownership.
While the Tourism Department has yet to issue a formal rebuttal addressing the specific timeline and the quantum of the grant, the issue has added to the mounting scrutiny surrounding the channel, which is also currently facing legal challenges regarding its broadcasting license and operations.
