‘Why Was This News Removed?’ Vijayan Targets Kerala Government Over Drug Case

Kerala Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday accused the Congress-led UDF government of “undeclared social media censorship” over reports concerning the arrest of a person who allegedly claimed to be Chief Minister V D Satheesan’s social media coordinator in an MDMA trafficking case.

In a Facebook post, Vijayan alleged that social media posts carrying reports about the arrest had been restricted, preventing users in India from accessing them. He also claimed that reports about his criticism of the alleged restrictions were subsequently removed. Vijayan shared screenshots of news reports and social media cards from various organisations, saying they indicated that access to the content had been limited. He demanded an explanation from Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the state Home Department.

The CPI(M) leader said the Opposition had supported Operation Toofan, the Kerala government’s anti-narcotics campaign, and welcomed action against anyone involved in the drug trade, regardless of political affiliation. However, he alleged that the circumstances surrounding the arrest had raised questions about whether political interests were influencing the anti-drug drive. He questioned why reports about an arrest made under the same operation were allegedly being suppressed.

“A factual news report cannot be removed in this manner,” Vijayan said at a press conference, alleging government intervention. He accused the UDF administration of using its authority to restrict the media, Opposition voices and freedom of expression, comparing the alleged action with restrictions imposed during the Emergency. He also linked it to criticism faced by the BJP-led Centre over alleged restrictions on social media content.

Vijayan clarified that he was not alleging direct links between ministers and drug traffickers, but questioned whether people accused of involvement in the drug trade were receiving political protection. The controversy intensified after CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan alleged that the arrested youth was close to Satheesan and claimed that prominent Youth Congress leaders were involved. Vijayan said Operation Toofan had initially raised hopes of becoming a strong deterrent against drug trafficking. He warned that alleged political interference could undermine public confidence in the campaign and demanded greater transparency from the government over the arrest and reported social media restrictions.