‘Who told you that?...’: Rajeev Chandrasekhar lashes out at media over BJP councillor’s death

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday lashed out at journalists when questioned about the suicide of Thirumala BJP Councillor Anil Kumar, who was found dead under contentious circumstances.

The confrontation occurred after reporters asked Chandrasekhar about allegations that media personnel were manhandled while covering Anil’s death.

Chandrasekhar accused certain sections of the press of attempting to shield the CPM and spreading misinformation regarding the incident.

"Who told you that? Which channel are you from? Stop spreading lies. This is pure fabrication. You belong to a channel that thrives on lies and has no shame. How can you malign a person who is no longer alive?" he retorted.

Chandrasekhar alleged that Anil had been under severe pressure from threats issued by CPM leaders. He claimed the Left party was employing a "new strategy" of intimidation against BJP workers.

"This is a very serious matter. We have evidence that Anil was threatened. In the coming days, the truth will emerge. The CPM is trying to silence leaders through fear," he said.

Rejecting claims that Anil Kumar’s cooperative society was controlled by the BJP, Chandrasekhar called the allegations “completely baseless.”

The Kerala BJP chief acknowledged speaking with Anil two days before his death, but said their conversation did not touch on financial difficulties or matters related to society.

Chandrasekhar said the media should focus on threats Anil faced rather than what he described as false narratives. 

"This is not a matter to be trivialised. A young Councillor has died. Instead of searching for the real reasons, some media houses are trying to mislead the public," he added.

The BJP leader reiterated that his party viewed the incident with utmost seriousness and would ensure that the circumstances behind Anil's death were brought to light. IANS