Thiruvananthapuram: Outrage erupted in Kerala after Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan referred to a Muslim journalist as a terrorist during a press interaction. The remarks targeted Rahees Rasheed, a Reporter TV journalist from Erattupetta, who had questioned Natesan over earlier Islamophobic statements.
The controversy followed an incident where Natesan pushed away the reporter’s microphone after a question on educational institutions allotted during the Pinarayi Vijayan government. A press conference was later called to explain the episode. During the interaction, Natesan claimed the journalist belonged to the Muslim Students Federation and had been sent deliberately. He repeatedly used the term terrorist when referring to Rahees.
Journalists present challenged the remark and asked whether the accusation rested on identity or evidence. Natesan responded defiantly and stated he would speak as he wished. He also warned reporters against questioning him and struck the microphone again, further escalating tensions.
Political reactions followed swiftly. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan accused the Chief Minister of encouraging communal division through silence. Congress leader T Siddique said branding a journalist a terrorist due to his name was alarming and unjust. He stressed Rahees had raised a professional question linked to public accountability.
Muslim Students Federation state president P K Navas questioned the source of such language and accused the government of remaining mute amid repeated communal remarks. He said such labeling mirrored narratives used to stigmatise Muslims.
The episode renewed scrutiny of Natesan’s past statements on Muslims and intensified criticism of the Chief Minister’s continued association with him. The issue has widened political fault lines and raised concerns over press freedom and communal harmony in Kerala.
