Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams media for spreading 'fake news' over Wayanad relief fund

NEW DELHI: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the media of spreading false information about the state's relief efforts for the Wayanad landslide, suggesting it was aimed at discrediting the government. Addressing reporters, Vijayan said the narrative that Kerala exaggerated figures to receive central aid has harmed the state’s reputation globally.
Vijayan said, "The false narrative that Kerala inflated figures to unfairly obtain central aid has unfortunately taken root in the minds of many.And what is the result? The people of Kerala and the government have been discredited on a global scale." He added, "This is not just a matter of false news or a lapse in media ethics. The real problem with fake news is not merely the lies, but the agenda behind them. And that agenda is clearly against the state and its people."
The chief minister explained that the misinformation appears aimed at undermining the support and aid for Wayanad. He highlighted the community's contributions to the relief fund and criticised the effort to discourage these contributions. "Make no mistake–this is not regular journalism. The only term that can describe it is 'destructive journalism.' This destructive journalism is a crime against society. It not only seeks to erode people's trust but also acts as an offence against the community. Those responsible for spreading such falsehoods must realize the gravity of their actions," he said.
The Kerala government had submitted an affidavit to the Kerala high court detailing the relief and rescue operations following the July 30 Wayanad landslides. The government provided preliminary estimates of the expenditure required, but Vijayan claimed the media misrepresented these as the actual costs incurred.
Addressing specific accusations about the costs attributed to volunteers, Vijayan pointed out that the central forces and volunteers involved in the operations incurred expenses that should be accounted for. "Is it true that transporting the central forces brought in from various parts of the country to Kerala and arranging for their accommodation incurs no costs? Shouldn't we account for expenses related to airfare and the transportation of these personnel and equipment from Kannur and Karipur airports to the disaster site, as well as their return?" he said. He added, "Various youth organizations, including political ones, have selflessly served in the disaster-affected areas without asking for money. Should we really convey to the central government that people in Kerala will continue to do this for free?"
Vijayan emphasised that Kerala's relief operations in Wayanad have been widely praised and that the state remains committed to supporting the victims and their families. He detailed the financial assistance provided, including Rs 6 lakhs to 131 families of deceased individuals, and additional funds for funeral expenses.
The Kerala government continues to support the victims of the Wayanad landslide, as highlighted by the Chief Minister’s address.