Congress overhauls digital media cell in Kerala after cyber attacks; Hibi Eden takes charge

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The Congress in Kerala has decided to undertake a major overhaul of its digital media cell following a series of cyber attacks targeting party leaders.

KPCC Vice President VT Balram has resigned as chairman of the cell, with Vice President Hibi Eden MP now taking charge. The move follows a recommendation from the AICC, and the unit has been renamed the Social Media Cell.

Balram had earlier notified the KPCC of his intention to step down. The post on the Congress Kerala unit’s page criticising the reduction of GST on tobacco products ahead of the Bihar elections, which stated, “Beedi and Bihar start with B,” had sparked widespread uproar.

Balram had expressed his readiness to resign at the time, though the leadership had asked him to continue.

Tensions escalated after allegations were levelled against Rahul Mamkoottathil, leading to a wave of posts supporting Rahul and attacking Opposition Leader VD Satheesan. Even AICC General Secretary Deepa Dasmunsi was subjected to cyber attacks at one point.

The Congress’s cyber wing remained unchanged after former social media convener Dr P Sarin left the party to join the CPM. A later review revealed that some members of the group had carried out online attacks against the opposition leader. In response, Deepa Dasmunsi submitted a report recommending a reshuffling of the social media unit, leading to the present restructuring.