Why press conference then? Heated debate ensues between journalists and CM Pinarayi Vijayan

KOLLAM: A verbal standoff took place between journalists and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday. The journalists alleged that the Chief Minister only answered questions from the party's mouthpiece and party-owned channels at the press conference, ignoring other journalists.

The chief minister responded to this, calling the allegations improper. The Chief Minister initially answered only three questions and stood up to leave when a few journalists raised their voices in protest.

The journalists said that it has turned into a new normal for the Chief Minister’s office to call a press conference but ignore the questions from journalists. Hearing this, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had already walked quite a distance to the door, returned and got seated again in front of the mic.

“Do we see such absurdities in other press conferences. The journalists asked me questions, and I responded. I didn't even care to ask which media they all represented. Some of you may have questions in your minds. Before expecting an answer from me, you should ask me questions, not store them in your mind. Not all will get a chance in a presser to ask questions. I am ending this here because the time has run out,” said CM Pinarayi Vijayan.