CM to interact with media only on Wednesdays; inform in advance if required, says CMO

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The office of the chief minister has informed that the from now on, the chief minister will speak to the media only if informed in advance. Chief Minister V D Satheesan will meet the media every Wednesdays after the cabinet meeting. In addition, he will meet the media during emergencies, with prior notice, said his office.

The Intelligence ADGP has directed district police chiefs to remain vigilant, stating that people, including media, are approaching the chief minister in an uncontrolled manner.
Assistant Commissioner Peter K J had the other day stopped journalists who arrived to cover an event attended by the chief minister at Gokulam Park in Kochi.

The assistant commissioner told the journalists not to ask the chief minister any questions, stating that he is not interested in answering them. He also directed the journalists to keep away from the chief minister, who has Z-plus security.

When asked if there were any directions from above to ban questions, the assistant commissioner replied, ‘you can give whatever you want, they are not going to hang me anyway. Although journalists once again questioned the reason behind banning questions, the assistant commissioner refused to respond.

The chief minister had reacted angrily to the media at the Idukki Collectorate when he came out after attending a meeting with senior officials and departmental heads to discuss various issues.

Responding to questions from the media, the chief minister said, ‘I don't see you, move aside. People who have come to submit memorandums are facing difficulties here. He then directed the police to clear them away.