‘Entertainment and knowledge’: Jagadish wants VD Satheesan’s press conferences made into a book

Kochi: Actor Jagadish has praised Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan for his humility and said he eagerly waits to watch the Chief Minister’s weekly press conferences, describing them as both entertaining and informative.

Jagadish was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Atham celebrations in Tripunithura. He made the remarks while clarifying that he had no interest in holding any government position.

“As soon as I arrived today, I told the Chief Minister, ‘CM, we eagerly wait for Wednesday to watch your press conference.’ It is the best entertainment. There is both entertainment and knowledge in it. The way he handles journalists is something to be learnt. He does not speak superficially; instead, he presents facts and figures, studies the issues and analyses them,” Jagadish said.

“Just as speeches delivered in the Legislative Assembly are compiled and published, I would like to suggest that all the Chief Minister’s press conferences should also be compiled and published,” he added.

Jagadish also recalled an incident from the Chengannur by-election to illustrate Satheesan’s understanding of other people’s difficulties.

“During the Chengannur by-election, the candidate at the time wanted me to campaign for a day. I went there and was participating in meetings one after another. At lunchtime, the person in charge of the election, who is now the Chief Minister, looked at the schedule and said, ‘42 speeches? Jagadishettan need not speak that much. Twenty-one or 22 will do. No more than that.’ That day, I understood that he was someone who understood the difficulties of others,” Jagadish said.

Clarifying that his remarks were not politically motivated, Jagadish said he considered himself a neutral artist with the freedom to praise or criticise the government.

“This is not politics. I am a neutral artist. I can encourage this government when it does good and criticise it when it needs to be criticised. Since I do not hold any position, I have the freedom to point out anything that goes against a pro-people stance. If I point it out, I have no doubt that the Chief Minister will also take steps to address it,” he said.