Controversial part of 'The Hindu' interview; Chief minister's office under suspicion

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office continues to be under suspicion even as he explains that the PR agency was not entrusted with the interview that appeared in 'The Hindu'. More indications are emerging that the interview held at Kerala House was supervised by the PR agency.

It is learnt from people associated with the PR agency Kaizzen that the chief minister's office intervened and included the controversial part related to Malappuram, which was not directly told to 'The Hindu' correspondent. These are not consistent with the chief minister's explanation that the interview was given at the request of Subramanian, the son of TK Devakumar.

It is learnt that the Chief Minister's Office had decided to conduct an interview in the national media to address the image decline created by the ADGP-RSS meeting. A press release was issued that he was being attacked for taking action against the gold smuggling. There are indications that it was this press release that was given to some English dailies through the PR agency. The Chief Minister's Office had also contacted some other national dailies to improve its image at the national level.

Handa came as 'chief minister's own' representative

• It is learnt that Vineet Handa, CEO of the PR agency and Deepak, an employee, had asked to send questions on WhatsApp.
• Handa arrived at Kerala House much before the interview began. Handa was with 'The Hindu' correspondent and Subramanian when the interview took place.
• Tight security was in place at The Cochin House, where the Chief Minister and the Governor were staying. Even media persons are not allowed inside.
• It is clear that Handa entered as a member of the chief minister's office. Security at the gate was also instructed to let him in.