Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala CM has criticized the media for spreading “misleading” information about the state’s relief efforts in the landslide-affected Wayanad district.

At a press conference here, the chief minister stated that the media attempted to discredit his government by inaccurately presenting the estimated figures for relief activities as funds already expended. There was a deliberate attempt to dissuade people from contributing to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Instead of practicing responsible journalism, a section of the media engaged in destructive journalism, he said.

The chief minister accused certain media outlets of spreading “manufactured stories” to deceive the public and advance their political motives. The situation has escalated to the point where the government may have to consider legal action against media outlets that are disseminating fake stories and misinformation.

The government, in collaboration with defense forces, the NDRF, voluntary organizations, and residents, conducted extensive rescue and relief operations following the catastrophic landslides in Wayanad. “From the first day, a team of four ministers was stationed in the area to oversee the relief efforts. One of the ministers stayed on-site for 50 days to ensure the smooth progress of relief activities and to address grievances,” he stated.

He announced that the government had distributed Rs 6 lakh to each of the 131 families who had lost loved ones. The compensation included Rs 5.24 crore released from the SDRF and Rs 2.62 crore from the CMDRF.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the state government had submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Centre seeking a special package. However, the Centre has not yet responded favourably to the state’s request.