Keralam CM, Cabinet to skip press interaction at IIM Kozhikode citing tight schedule, security

Citing tight schedules and security reasons, Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and his Cabinet colleagues will not participate in press interactions or photo opportunities at the conclusion of the two-day leadership workshop at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) on Saturday afternoon.

This comes close on the heels of recent tension between the Chief Minister and journalists in the State over media access.

Apparently, the friction heightened after the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) issued a statement criticising the practice of singling out or naming specific media outlets during press interactions, describing such approaches as objectionable in a democratic society.

However, the organisers at IIMK issued a statement clarifying that Mr. Satheesan and members of the Council of Ministers face an exceptionally tight schedule immediately following the conclusion of the ‘Reimagining Keralam’ programme, which began on Friday morning.

As such, no press conference, photo call, or media interaction will take place at the venue.

Besides, access to the IIMK campus will remain strictly restricted. Organisers noted that the entry limits are being enforced in accordance with advice from the State Protocol authorities and the Chief Minister’s Office.

To ensure news outlets can still cover the event, the institute’s public relations team will provide official photographs, video footage, and press releases directly through dedicated media channels.

At the same time, the public relations team expressed gratitude to journalists and news organisations for their understanding and cooperation regarding the security measures and protocol requirements in place.

(The writer, Aleesha V. Joseph, is an intern with The Hindu)