Kerala journalists protest after TV reporter ‘threatened’ by BJP’s Suresh Gopi

Union Minister of State and BJP leader Suresh Gopi is once again under fire, following another clash with the media that has sparked widespread criticism and protests by the journalism fraternity. 

The latest controversy began when a reporter from a Malayalam news channel accused Gopi of threatening him after he asked a question about a divisive comment the BJP leader made during a campaign speech. 

In the speech, the actor turned politician referred to the Waqf board – an Islamic charitable organisation, as a “four-lettered monstrosity”. While campaigning for BJP candidate Navya Haridas in the Wayanad byelection, Gopi said, “I will not mention the name of the board but it’s a monstrosity by four letters of the English alphabet.” Gopi also said the union government would take strong action to “pull out its spine” and ensure that “no board will remain upright”.

Gopi’s language drew strong reactions from Kerala’s political circles. Leaders from the Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian Union Muslim League condemned his remarks. IUML leader PK Kunjhalikutty accused the BJP of divisive tactics while CPIM leader AK Balan warned against communalising issues. 

Following these responses, journalist Alex Ram Mohammed from 24 News channel approached Gopi to ask for his reaction to the backlash. According to Mohammed, Gopi later summoned him in person and asked whether the reporter had “fully understood” his speech. When Mohammed clarified he was only seeking Gopi’s perspective on reactions to his comments, he alleged Gopi threatened him, saying, “I’ll show you in the Parliament.”

Mohammed claimed Gopi even instructed his gunman to record the conversation in an “intimidating” manner. 

Soon after, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists and members of the Ernakulam Press Club staged a protest, demanding that Gopi apologise for his “arrogant” behaviour. The KUWJ issued a statement saying Gopi’s “arrogance”, which received applause on-screen, would not be tolerated by journalists. 

Both organisations also called on the BJP’s central leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Gopi’s actions. Some members suggested a media boycott if similar incidents took place.

This isn’t the first time that Gopi’s behaviour toward journalists has raised concerns. Last year, he caused an uproar when he placed his hand on a woman reporter’s shoulder as she tried to shake it off. He had repeated the gesture until the woman pulled his hand away and asked further questions. The journalist had later posted a video saying how uncomfortable she felt and filed a legal complaint, accusing him of outraging her modesty. 

More recently, in August, Gopi lodged a police complaint against the media, claiming they obstructed his security team during a public appearance. The incident took place when the reporters sought his comment on the sexual harassment allegations against CPIM MLA and actor Mukesh. 

 He lashed out at reporters, instructing them to ask questions only when “appropriate,” depending on where he was and the circumstances.

This report is republished from The News Minute as part of the NL-TNM alliance. It has been lightly edited for style and clarity. Click here to subscribe to NL-TNM and join the army that pays to keep news free.