An episode of Cover Story on the Maha Kumbh Mela and a critique on the Keralites who participated in it despite being in a state that boasts of 100 per cent literacy, on Asianet News, which is owned by BJP leader and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, however, did not sit well with its owner, who reminded the channel’s top brass that 'faith is important for every Hindu.’
The episode of Cover Story, aired on March 1, seemingly took a dig at the participation of people from Kerala in the religious gathering, highlighting their engagement in rituals and the Kumbh Mela bath, which it suggested had gained popularity despite the state's literacy rate and CPI(M) rule. The programme also commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the event, linking it to advertising, public relations, and business interests, The Indian Express reported.
Chandrasekhar, responding to concerns raised by Malayalees who felt the programme ridiculed the Kumbh Mela, emphasised the significance of faith for Hindus and urged the channel’s leadership to ensure that such events are treated with respect.
“They felt the programme was ridiculing the Kumbh Mela. My family was among crores of devotees who participated in the Maha Kumbh mela. I have brought this to the attention of those at the helm of Asianet News. I have asked them that there should not be such careless, sarcastic remarks about such an event, which is attended by lakhs of devotees. As in any religion, faith is important for every Hindu. We, crores of Hindus across the country, including Kerala, want that to be respected,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
The controversy gained momentum as BJP state president K Surendran also criticised the programme, alleging ideological bias in sections of the Malayalam media and suggesting external financial influences behind such narratives.
The BJP in Kerala has had a history of confrontations with Asianet News, particularly over allegations that the channel is dominated by journalists with Left affiliations, leading to past boycotts by the party.
The strained relationship between the BJP and Asianet News has resurfaced at various junctures, including a 2015 boycott initiated by the state unit and a 2021 incident where Union Minister V Muraleedharan denied access to the channel’s reporters at his press conferences.